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NKP356: Who Pays For College In Stepfamilies 

 April 3, 2026

By  Lori Sims

On this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David tackle one of the biggest blended family challenges: Who pays for college? Whether you’re a stepparent, bio parent, or dealing with “ours” kids, this conversation dives deep into financial planning, scholarship strategies, and the emotional dynamics that arise when trying to distribute resources fairly.

From real-life experiences with the military and GI Bill, tackling scholarships, and practical money-saving tips, to the complexities of blended finances and inheritance, Lori and David share candid stories and advice for families who want to avoid conflict and make smart financial decisions.

Key topics covered:

  • Blended family college savings
  • Scholarships vs. military funding
  • Navigating fairness and “ours” kids
  • Earmarked college funds: Split or keep?
  • When to talk about money (spoiler: sooner is better!)
  • Estate planning, wills, and inheritance in stepfamilies
  • FAFSA, financial aid, and stepfamily complications
  • Is it okay if you can’t pay for college?

Whether your family is just starting to talk about college or you’re deep in the decision process, this episode offers practical wisdom and honest humor to help you navigate the complexities of finances in blended families.

Tune in and discover how to make “nacho” family life work for college and beyond!

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Nacho Kids' purpose is to dramatically reduce the blended family and stepfamily failure rate by providing the information and tools needed to live a successful and healthy blended life.

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