The economics of higher education are pretty messed up and colleges know it. Sure, we're sometimes our own worst enemies when it comes to spending. But the pricing system itself seems almost designed to confuse: opaque, inconsistent, and nearly impossible to decode from the outside. Which means there's real money on the table for families who take the time to learn how admissions and financial aid actually work… and which hoops are worth jumping through and which aren't. Get fluent in this system, and you could save yourself tens of thousands of dollars. Stay in the dark, and you're leaving that money on the table. We're joined by Phillip Levine, an economist and professor who's spent his career studying education finance and his new book, Hidden Tuition, pulls back the curtain on how the system really works, and what families can do to navigate it on their own terms. Today we discuss:

• Differences between sticker price and actual cost
• Enrollment trends and their impact on college prices
• Understanding the FAFSA and need-based aid
• Merit aid and how colleges use discounts
• Negotiating financial aid offers
• Tools and resources for estimating college costs
• The role of 529 plans and early savings
• Manipulating finances to maximize aid
• And much more!

Can’t get enough How To Money? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• YouTube: You thought you’d never see it… the How To Money channel over on YouTube - LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!
• Credit card perks: Check out our favorite credit cards that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.
• Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the HTM Facebook group!
• Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Money Gears: knowing what to do with your money is crucial to your personal finance journey.
• MG7: and maybe you’re well on your way to financial independence but you’re looking for some financial reassurance, that’s when heading over to HowToMoney.com/Advisor and getting matched with a highly vetted financial advisor makes sense.

And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!