In this episode of the Cool Grandpa podcast, author Jeannie Burlowski explains how grandparents can inspire their grown kids and grandkids toward the goal of debt-free college and career – without using one penny of grandparent money. She emphasizes the importance of creative strategies for college savings, the impact of personal letters from grandparents, and the significance of career assessments in guiding students toward debt-free education. The conversation highlights practical steps grandparents can take to leave a lasting legacy and ensure their grandchildren’s success in higher education.
In this conversation, Jeannie Burlowski shares insights on how grandparents can play a pivotal role in helping their grandchildren navigate the complexities of education and career planning. She discusses the importance of strengths assessments, innovative scholarship strategies, and the pitfalls of relying solely on financial aid.
Jeannie emphasizes the need for early career planning and shares success stories of students who have graduated debt-free. Additionally, she highlights the benefits of utilizing 529 plans and Roth IRAs. She introduces the FIRE movement as a pathway to financial independence.
🎯 What You’ll Learn:
- Why a heartfelt letter and a $20 college contribution can mean more than the latest toy
- How 529 college savings plans can be used meaningfully — and what to do with leftover funds
- Why career assessments at age 15 can shape lifelong success
- Creative alternatives to scholarships and financial aid that reduce college costs
- How grandparents can lead the charge with strategic planning (even if the parents are overwhelmed)
Jeannie also shares success stories from families that have used her advice to graduate with zero debt—and, in some cases, money in the bank.
Whether you’re a grandparent looking to make a difference or a parent hoping to lighten the load, this episode delivers practical steps and emotional resonance.
🧡 Highlight Quote:
“The message matters more than the money — you’re saying to your grandchild: You are worth investing in.” — Jeannie Burlowski
🛠 Resources & Links:
- 📘 Launch: How to Get Your Kids Through College Debt-Free and Into Jobs They Love Afterward
➤ Available at libraries or for purchase on Jeannie’s site - 🌐 Free Monday Newsletter & Tribe Membership
➤ Sign up here: https://debtfreecollege.us - 🎥 Watch Jeannie’s age-specific 10-minute strategy videos:
➤ https://debtfreecollege.us - 📚 Article: Why You Might Want to Talk Your Kid Out of the Ivy League
➤ Google: “Burlowski Out of Ivy League” - 📖 Recommended Reading:
➤ The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
➤ FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) Movement on Facebook - 🎥Watch our conversation on YouTube using this link: https://youtu.be/6HbCVPtFh0k
More Than Grand 
Grandfathers have a unique and meaningful role to play in grandchildren’s development, yet they often find themselves behind the scenes, on the sidelines, or less engaged than they’d like to be. This masterclass delivers a playbook for helping grandfathers level up their influence and impact. Listeners to The Cool Grandpa Podcast can receive 40% off this course by using Cool40 at checkout.
Founded in 2011 by Aaron Larsen as a way to honor his grandparents, GrandparentsAcademy.com is the world’s first and only online academy dedicated to helping grandparents grow meaningful relationships and rich legacies with their loved ones.
