Episode Details

It started in a kitchen. An eighth grader ran in and said, "Mom, I know what I want to do. Will you help me?"

When the school couldn't help, Shellee Howard went back to school herself. Years later, she's a certified independent college strategist. Shellee has guided all four of her children through college with a plan, and founded CollegeReady. She also leads a nonprofit where teenagers support students in Uganda, and earn the necessary community service hours during high school for college applications.

This conversation is for the mom in the middle of the mess. Maybe your student is in middle school and you're already panicking. Maybe it's senior year and you're realizing there's no plan. Shellee brings practical wisdom, real hope, and a reminder that this has to be a village.

The one word I kept coming back to after this interview? Legacy.

In this episode

• The "will you help me" moment that changed Shellee's entire life path
• Why the college process has to start with your child's core values, gifts, and "why"
• The number one mistake parents make: assuming they make too much money to get free money
• Why the FAFSA isn't a loan application, and why getting it wrong costs families money
• Why you shouldn't leave this decision to your teen or an overloaded school counselor
• Why 8th grade is the ideal starting point, and what to do if you're starting late
• Passion with Purpose: how teenagers in Shellee's nonprofit are changing lives around the world
• Why you don't have to carry this burden alone, mom

Connect with Shellee Howard

• Free 30-minute clarity session and DIY resources (core values assessment, SAI calculator): CollegeReadyPlan.info
• Website: https://go.collegereadyplan.com/start-college-planning
• How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money: https://a.co/d/0d2XmTRL
• The College Admissions Plan Simplified: https://a.co/d/01azrgxv

Feeling stuck in survival mode yourself?

College planning can stir up everything: money fears, a relationship that feels strained, and the sense that you're holding it all together alone. If that's you, let's talk. Book your one-hour Survival Mode Breakthrough session for $47. 👉  info@r-arnold.com

Midlife Transformation: helping Christian women in midlife move from habit-driven stress to values-led peace. Your transformation is not too late. It's right on time.

 college admissions, financial aid, Shellee Howard, bestselling author, college strategist, midlife moms, Christian moms, parenting teens, empty nest, midlife transformation, Christian women, legacy, values-based parenting

Book your Survival Mode Coaching Breakthrough, a one-hour call to help you reset your mindset and build confidence rooted in your values

Email me at info@r-arnold.com

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