A Full-Circle Moment
Earlier this fall, I walked the University of Arizona campus with my daughter, Madison — the same school I toured years ago with my dad.
It was one of those surreal, full-circle moments that hit you all at once: excitement for her future, nostalgia for my own college years, and (if I’m honest) the realization that time moves faster than we think.
And because I’m me, a financial planner to the core, I couldn’t help but reflect on the financial side of this milestone. How should we fund her education? What’s the smartest, most flexible way to do it without sacrificing long-term goals?
That reflection turned into one of our most popular Beer and Money Podcast episodes and a Linkedin post that sparked a lot of comments and conversations.
Why I’m Funding College from Cash Flow (Not Savings)
I’ve been saving and investing for years. I have options: investment accounts, savings, and other assets I could pull from to cover tuition.
But instead of withdrawing from those investments, I’m funding Madison’s college through cash flow — using the money I would normally save each month to pay tuition directly.
Why? One word: flexibility.
If I can continue letting my investments compound while still meeting college expenses through cash flow, that’s a win. It allows me to:
Avoid selling investments in a down market.
Reduce the tax drag of liquidating long-term positions.
Keep my options open for other opportunities — like buying a rental property near campus or funding future goals.
This isn’t a “better” strategy. It’s just what fits our situation. And that’s the point.
The Myth of Spreadsheet Math
On paper, pulling from investments or using cash flow might look the same. But real life doesn’t run on spreadsheets.
Markets move. Taxes fluctuate. Timing matters.
If I had to sell investments during a market dip, I’d lose twice. Once on performance, and again when paying taxes on gains. Using cash flow gives me control and consistency.
Too often, people build plans that look perfect in Excel but collapse in real life. Financial planning isn’t just about math — it’s about design. It’s about creating flexibility so your plan can move with your life, not against it.
The FAFSA Reality Check
This journey also gave me a new appreciation for the college planning process.
When Madison and I filled out the FAFSA, I was reminded how humbling financial transparency can be — even for someone who does this for a living.
It’s emotional to open up your financial world and see how the numbers translate into eligibility and options. For families, that’s often one of the hardest parts of planning.
If you’re going through this, here’s what I learned:
Don’t rely solely on your child’s school for FAFSA guidance. Be proactive and start early.
Read the fine print. Certain assets (like retirement accounts and permanent life insurance) don’t count against FAFSA calculations.
Answer what’s asked and only what’s asked. Volunteering extra information can complicate things unnecessarily.
The Psychology of Money (and Parenting)
This whole process reminded me of something Morgan Housel writes about in The Art of Spending Money: We all make financial decisions based on our own experiences and emotions.
When I shared my approach online, some people said, “You’re doing it wrong.” Others said, “You should’ve done a 529 plan.” But those opinions came from their experiences — not mine.
That’s exactly why personal finance has to be personal.
Our goals, values, and life stories are different. My decision was right for me and my family — and that’s what matters most.
What This Means for You
If you’re planning for college (or any major goal), remember:
Flexibility creates confidence. The ability to pivot keeps your plan resilient.
Real life beats spreadsheet math. Build plans that adapt to taxes, markets, and timing.
Emotions matter. Your financial identity isn’t about how it looks on paper — it’s about what aligns with your values.
Design your future intentionally. Let your money serve your purpose, not the other way around.
Watch the Full Conversation
🎥 Beer & Money Podcast:"How Ryan Is Funding Kids' Education
On this episode, Alex and I unpack how we’re approaching college planning, the pros and cons of different funding strategies, and why flexibility always wins long term.
Final Thought
Financial planning isn’t just about growing wealth — it’s about shaping a life. For me, that means designing a plan that keeps compounding working, cash flow strong, and flexibility front and center.
And most of all, it means helping Madison — and every family I work with — build a future so powerful it reshapes their present.
Cheers,
Ryan Burklo
Quantified Financial Partners