February 27, 2025 • 31 mins
Welcome back to Yahweh’s Money!
In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden costs of higher education beyond tuition. I’m your host, Shay Cook, and I’m excited to introduce our new and improved format for more authentic, conversational discussions.
Joining me is Adriana Lopez, a military veteran, Accredited Financial Counselor®️, and the inspiration behind our podcast! Together, we break down overlooked college expenses—dorm furniture, textbooks, transportation, and unexpected fees—while offering practical budgeting tips to help you plan wisely. Inspired by Proverbs 27:23, we encourage financial stewardship and mindful preparation for these hidden costs.
Key Takeaways:
- Hidden Expenses Matter – College costs extend beyond tuition. Being aware of extra expenses can prevent financial surprises.
- Living Arrangements Impact Finances – Weigh on-campus vs. off-campus housing to determine the most cost-effective option.
- Smart Budgeting & Planning – Leverage student discounts, loyalty programs, and meal planning to stretch your budget and avoid unnecessary debt.
Did we miss any hidden college costs? Let us know at yahweh@crusaders4change.org.
Episode Sources:
- Proverbs 27:23
- What Is the Average College Tuition in 2025?
- FINRA Foundation
- Average Cost of Food per Month for a College Student
- Students Save on UNiDAYS
💸⛪🕍📿💵
Our podcast is proudly sponsored by Crusaders for Change, LLC (C4C) and hosted by our CEO and Founder, Mrs. Shay Cook. At C4C, we provide customized corporate financial wellness programs for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Our services are tailored to create happier, healthier, and more productive work environments. We also empower individuals and couples to overcome debt, improve their credit, boost savings, and more. Ready to learn more about how C4C can impact your life? Contact us today at https://www.crusaders4change.org/!
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Music by:
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Adriana Lopez (00:01):
You know, we did the whole going to visit the
campuses and I was blown away.
I was just like there'sStarbucks, there's the state of
the art gym and you can liveright here.
And so I got caught up in that.
Luckily, his father was alsoinvolved in the process and was
like no, it's going to be tooexpensive, like that's all hype.
(00:24):
And I don't think that that'shype for everybody.
I think that there's, you know,those benefits of living on
campus.
You know you feel like secure,there's security, you're there,
you're able just to walk toclass for some students.
So I think it's a goodexperience for some families.
But I also want people to knowthat there are alternatives,
like commuting.
Shay Cook (00:45):
Ever felt those awkward vibes when religion and
money come up?
You're not alone.
Welcome to Yahweh's Money, thepodcast where we tackle the
crossroads of faith and finance.
I'm Shay Cook an AccreditedFinancial Counselor and CEO and
founder of Crusaders for ChangeLLC.
Join us on our journey as wediscuss topics like tithing,
(01:06):
saving and conquering debtthrough religious perspectives.
Let's get started.
Hey, everyone, welcome back toanother episode of Yahweh's
Money.
This is Shay, your host.
And before I introduce ourspecial guest, I want to first
thank our regular and newlisteners and second, our to
our new and listeners and second, I want to share some news
(01:27):
about us leveling up thispodcast.
Today's episode will introduceour new run of show format,
which will to allow us to bemore conversational and
authentic.
Plus, we have a new podcastproducer, the award-winning
Crackers and Soup.
Plus, new graphics are comingsoon.
So thank God and our specialguest host for their inspiration
(01:49):
to level up Yahweh's money.
And before I introduce ouramazing guest, I wanted to
provide a quick description ofwhat we're going to talk about
today.
We're going to talk about thereal cost of college, beyond
tuition.
When most people think aboutthe cost of college, they're
immediately thinking of tuitionand student loans.
And yes, they are expensive.
But according tosavingsforcollege.
(02:09):
com, the average 2024 to 2025tuition and fees for tuition
in-state students at publicuniversities are approximately
$11,260 to $29,000 forout-of-state students.
So I know my daughter paid moreof that for in-state.
So but let's take a step backand think about the real cost of
(02:29):
college.
We're talking about the hiddenexpenses that pile up over time,
things like dorm furniture,textbooks, parking permits and
the countless fees we don't takeinto account in our financial
aid package.
FIn today's episode, we're
helping you think outside thebox when it comes to college
expenses and what the highereducation really costs for you.
So in Proverbs 27, 23, it tellsus be sure you know the
(02:53):
condition of your flocks, givecareful attention to your herds.
This verse encourages carefulplanning and attention, which is
exactly what you'll be doing bybringing awareness for those
unconsidered college expenses.
So I'm so excited to introduceour guest host.
She's just been pivotal in thispodcast.
(03:14):
She's amazing.
She's sweet, kind, she'sGod-fearing.
She's a child of God, mother,wife, military veteran, military
spouse, finra Foundation Fellowand an accredited financial
counselor.
Former Yahweh's Money podcastproducer again our inspiration
for our podcast and nowCrusaders for Change's lead
financial counselor AdrianaLopez.
(03:35):
Hey, adriana, hey friend.
Adriana Lopez (03:37):
Hi friend, Hi Shay, Thank you for that sweet
introduction.
Yes, ma'am, I mean I'm justblessed to be part of this, you
know amazing journey and sothank you for having me on.
I really appreciate you and allyour mentorship, so I'm glad to
be part of this.
It's a blessing.
Shay Cook (03:54):
No, I'm so excited.
I've been wanting you on thispodcast for two years now three
seasons but you have beenpivotal in such you.
Yeah, finally, we got you outin the front end because you
were in the back end, so tell usa little bit more about who
Adriana is
Adriana Lopez (04:09):
Well, like you said I am an Army veteran,
Hoorah, Hoorah, I am animmigrant too.
That's a big part of my identity.
I was originally born fromColombia, so I am just really
excited about all theopportunities that I've been
blessed with living in thiscountry, being able to be part
of the military, having twoamazing kids you know my husband
(04:31):
also just retiring.
So we're in this new chapter ofour lives here in Florida just
working with Crusaders forChange.
Being in this sector, you knowfinancial counseling for me was
a pivot in my career because Iwas mostly doing logistics with
the federal government and sothis opportunity came up to be
awarded and blessed with theFINRA Military Spouse Fellowship
(04:54):
.
I was, like you know, I reallylike finances.
I know a little bit, and when Idid the fellowship I said I
don't know anything.
And it's been a great journey.
Ever since I've learned so much.
I've been able to take thosegifts and those talents and help
others.
So I am forever grateful forthat opportunity because it is
(05:15):
truly life changing.
So just glad to be part of this.
Shay Cook (05:18):
It really is, and a shout out to FINRA Foundation
for all they do.
They are amazing.
I found out about thefellowship back in 2006, Seven
and man, has it been a gamechanger for my professional life
as well.
So let's talk about how we knoweach other.
So how did you find Crusadersfor Change or Shay Cook?
Well, I remember that.
Adriana Lopez (05:39):
AFCPE.
Yeah yeah, which are, you know,the ones that give us the AFC
designation?
They had a career fair and sothey had posted it on social
media, had seen it and I waslike, oh, I'm going to, you know
, attend this fair and you wereone of the hosts there.
So I remember going into yourroom because this was all
virtual, this was still you know, during the COVID era, and so I
(06:02):
was like, okay, you know, Ireally liked the conversation.
I was really interested inwanting to volunteer and work on
my experience hours.
You know, I didn't know you.
I applied.
I remember turning in my resumeto you and hearing back from
you and you told me yeah, youknow, I want you to be a part of
the team and help us in someareas, you know.
So I was just really gladbecause then I got to know you
(06:24):
better, got to know the missionof Crusaders for Change, which
you know I was just so impressedby everything that you've done
where you brought yourorganization to, so I was just
like really glad that you tookme on.
Shay Cook (06:35):
Yeah, and I think we met a little before that, when
you were going through theactual course for the FINRA
Foundation, the orientation,with Cherie Stevie.
Yeah, yeah, so I remember youbeing on there, weren't you on
the virtual?
Adriana Lopez (06:49):
The first orientation.
Shay Cook (06:50):
Yeah, so I remember meeting you there and us maybe
meeting offline after that, butyeah, and you were in Italy then
.
Adriana Lopez (06:56):
Yeah, I was in Italy.
Shay Cook (06:58):
So well, welcome back to United States Crazy,
America.
So, guys, in our new runningshow, our new process here, our
format, I should say we're goingto start asking like rapid fire
questions and then we'll gointo the main topics and teach
tips about the topic of the day,which is the real cost of
college.
But let's do some quick rapidfire questions before we move
(07:19):
into our main talking point.
What was your last purchasethat you were most excited about
?
Adriana Lopez (07:26):
Oh, I sent you a picture of it.
Oh, you did.
It was the Eagles Super Bowlmemorabilia, that's right, yeah,
that was so nice.
I love giving that to myhusband for Valentine's Day and
our anniversary because they goboth hand in hand.
So I also bought one for mybest friend.
Oh nice, she's a huge Eaglesfan, so if the Super Bowl ticket
(07:46):
, a big replica of it with allthe players' signatures.
So I was really excited.
I haven't given hers yet.
Her birthday was last week.
Shay Cook (07:53):
Oh, okay, she's going to be super excited.
Adriana Lopez (07:56):
Yeah, she doesn't even know, so hopefully this
episode doesn't air before?
Shay Cook (07:58):
Oh no, I don't think it will.
Well, she does.
Happy birthday you're gonna getan amazing gift, and
congratulations to the egos.
That was awesome.
That was awesome.
Yeah, for me, the last purchaseI was most excited about was
beyonce tickets oh, that's soexciting my sister and my niece
(08:23):
sat online for two hours to getthose dang on cowboy parter
tickets and we're huge Beyoncefans.
I don't know why.
I just not, even I'm not readyto say I'm part of the Beehive.
My husband's, like you, arepart of the Beehive.
I'm like no, I'm not.
I always want to be different,but I'm super excited about that
because Beyonce is one of thebest entertainers of all time,
so she is amazing and I mean I'mtickets for high.
(08:43):
We're not going to talk aboutthat.
Talk about it in anotherepisode.
I felt a little bit of shameand embarrassment.
I don't do a lot.
I justify it by I don't do alot.
Adriana Lopez (08:56):
So hey, I'm going to spend on.
Shay Cook (08:57):
Beyonce and we're sitting on the field, so wow,
and all three of you are going,all three.
My daughter, she said when shewent last year and she was like
it was too much, so she wants togo see Kendrick instead.
I was like, all right, we gosee Kendrick and SZA.
But yeah, I'm excited aboutthat, so all right.
Next question what is yourfavorite way to save?
Adriana Lopez (09:15):
My favorite way is automate.
Automate all day, every day,set it and forget it.
That has been, for us,instrumental to be able to save
our emergency fund, our goldfunds.
What?
Shay Cook (09:27):
about you into another savings so and another
savings and another savings.
So yeah, I love using like theclub accounts too to separate
Cause I like to have likespecific, measurable, smart
goals Like, all right, I'm goingto save this amount for
(09:47):
Christmas for my nieces andnephews, my daughter, my husband
and so forth, or I'm saving fora new car, or I'm saving for
the insurance that I want to payoff this year, whatever it may
be, I love to do the clubaccounts too, so automate club
so yeah, and I love to have thenames of each savings.
Adriana Lopez (10:04):
When I log into my bank I edit the name and I it
just my incentive every time Isee.
Oh, the vacation fund, you know, is getting there.
Same, same.
I have the vacation fund.
Shay Cook (10:15):
I got the holiday Christmas holiday fund.
Let me tell you a story when Ihad my when he may he rest in
peace Titan, my dog bulldog thatdied two years ago, going on
three before we got him, wenamed it Titan Savings, like
literally, we had a TitanSavings two years before we even
had Titan.
So cause we knew, as theEnglish bulldog, they can be
expensive, so we started savingfor him yeah, I know you got
(10:37):
many, so being able and then Ikept Titan savings till he died
because of all the otheremergencies and all of the
medical expenses.
So that was always the saving.
So may he rest in peace, mybaby, all right.
Last question what feeling doyou associate with money?
Money?
Adriana Lopez (10:55):
Security For sure .
You know I just had a dentalemergency that you know about.
If I didn't have the money tocover that unexpected expense, I
wouldn't be able to have takencare of it.
And so for me, that securitythat I know this happened.
I've got the money sittingthere for us for this type of
stuff, so let's go for it.
(11:17):
I didn't want to go with theprocedure, but I needed it, so
I'm glad that I had the moneythere.
So security for me is the firstthing that comes to my mind.
Shay Cook (11:25):
Yeah, For me I would say freedom is a feeling
Security goes along with freedom, but sometimes there is shame,
there's still.
Like I was thinking about thatwith the Beyonce tickets or when
I went to this event this weekand all these women were walking
around with all these clotheson great clothes, and I'm like
right now, for many reasons I'mnot buying a lot of clothes.
(11:47):
First of all because I have acloset full of nice clothes and
I need to just lose some moreweight, but also it's just like
I don't want to be spending allmy money on that.
But then I have this shameabout I should be looking a
certain way.
I battle with this and I'm sureit's from childhood and I
probably talk about it intherapy.
But there is still shame aroundmoney with me and I you know
hey, I'm real and I'm afinancial counselor almost shoot
(12:09):
over 15 plus years and, yeah,it's still there's shame there.
But the freedom is nice toknowing that I have savings in
case something comes up.
So that security piece too,yeah, well, thank you for that.
I love that rapid fire.
That's going to be fun, yeah.
So let's get in talking aboutthe real cost of college beyond
tuition.
You know a lot of people focuson the tuition pieces or piece
(12:32):
of college which can be reallyexpensive in America and
honestly shame on America forhaving tuition so high.
But you know there's thingslike the dorm versus off campus
living or other academic costs,so let's get into that.
I know you have a son that wasrecently in college.
You've been in college, I'vebeen to college, my kid was in
college.
Adriana Lopez (12:49):
I never lived on campus.
My son didn't live on campus,so I don't have that experience.
But he commutes and just thatsaving alone could be about
$14,000 for a family a year.
So I want my son to know thatI'm saving him $14,000 a year by
(13:10):
him living with us.
So eventually you don't want tosee that money back and the
return is going to be, of course, in his education.
But I did the community collegething and then I went to a
four-year school but I commutedas well.
It didn't even fathom to everlive on a campus for me.
I never thought that could be apossibility because I would
hear that people say that it wasexpensive.
(13:32):
And for my son, you know, Iwanted I did want that
experience because I was, likeyou know, we did the whole going
to visit the campuses and I wasblown away.
I was just like there'sStarbucks, there's state of the
art gym and you can live righthere, and so I got caught up in
that.
Luckily his father was alsoinvolved in the process and was
(13:55):
like no, it's going to be tooexpensive, like that's all hype.
And I don't think that that'shype for everybody.
I think that there's, you know,those benefits of living on
campus.
You know you feel like secure,there's security, you're there,
you're able just to walk toclass for some students.
So I think it's a goodexperience for some families.
(14:15):
But I also want people to knowthat there are alternatives,
like commuting, like perhapsliving in a residence off campus
and sharing with roommates.
I know that you know yourdaughter Alana.
Shay Cook (14:26):
you know she lived on campus the whole four years,
yeah, and I lived on campus twoyears and for me it was back in
97.
God I'm old.
It was because I needed to getthe H-E-U-K-O what out of my
parents' house.
I was like I am not living herewith y'all, you know what?
Adriana Lopez (14:42):
That's why I went to the army.
Shay Cook (14:44):
Exactly Right.
It was independence.
It was like I'm getting out ofhere.
And even though it was so, Iwent to UMBC.
It was like 20, 30 minutes frommy parents' house, so literally
I should have lived down athome, but I still had two
siblings at home and it was justso much drama and I was like I
don't want to live here.
So I was just like, yeah, I'mgoing to UMBC and I'm going to
live on campus.
And, man, yes, I wish somebodyhad talked to me about that
(15:06):
because it was so expensive.
And actually I moved home mysoft middle sophomore year
because my roommate was allabout doing certain things with
her boyfriend while I was there.
Adriana Lopez (15:17):
And I was like yeah, it was great.
Shay Cook (15:19):
And so I was like my mom went up there and went off
on her and stuff.
I'm like man, hopefully she'snot listening.
You know, girl, I still loveyou.
And so I had to leave and but Irealized I have saved so much
money because I moved back home.
but then I got married thatsummer or that yeah, that summer
and so I was saving so muchbecause living on campus was an
(15:40):
extra like 10, 15,000 a year andthat's, and I did the student
loan route.
So when I got out of UMBC, Ihad like 30,000 student loans.
Back then tuition wasn'texpensive.
It was only like 5,000 asemester, which I mean still a
lot of money, but it wasn't asmuch as what my daughter was
paying.
So it was really expensive.
(16:00):
And but the experience I hadliving outside, I mean because I
got married young I was 20 whenI got married so I think God
was planning something, becausehe knew I needed to get out of
my parents' house and experienceliving away from my parents
before I got married, becausethen I've been married 25 years,
so I would have never reallyexperienced living outside with
(16:21):
nobody, right?
I always had a roommate, though, but so it was great.
But, yeah, living off campus isthe way to go if you have a
good home situation, because Ihave to add that in there
because not everybody wants tobe at home and you can't afford
it Like, let's be real, theaffordability of it all.
Not everybody's capable toafford the exuberant cost of
(16:41):
living on campus.
It's so expensive.
Adriana Lopez (16:44):
Yeah, and I think roommates too, like talking
with your you know friends.
If you're going to the sameschool, you know that's an
option too for you to discuss Ifyou know that you're not going
to be able to live on campus butyou want to live off campus
where you could save a lot more.
You know you're not going to beliving at home or educationdata.
org you're going out of state.
So just looking into roommatesand also, if you don't have
(17:04):
friends going there, but lookingat some of the you know
postings for roommates for yourcollege campus and I'm sure
there's going to be a lot ofinformation so that'd be a good
option to share the rent, youknow, with four roommates, of
course, people you can trust andyou know are going to be, you
know.
I mean, you know you're alwaysgoing to run into things, but at
least having still thatexperience, like you said, that
(17:26):
independence, which I thinkthat's such a great thing,
because that's one of the thingsthat I kind of would like.
I wish my son would have had,that you Like.
I wish my son would have hadthat you know, to be off on his
own and kind of make his way inthat aspect of it.
But at least people that arelooking for cost savings is to
consider roommates, so you couldsave even more.
Shay Cook (17:43):
Yeah, and schools do a good job of trying to pair you
with a roommate.
You know, my two roommates onlyhad two.
They were amazing women.
I mean, we were young though,we were in 18, 19.
And my daughter's samesituation, her first roommate.
They didn't really get along, alot of you know.
You got the wholeboyfriend-girlfriend situation
in the mix.
It plays it, it adds a littletesty drama to the situation.
My daughter went to a differentdorm each time just to try it
(18:05):
out, and then she went toapartments on campus and then an
apartment that was off thecampus but was still owned by
UMBC or affiliated with UMBC, soshe got to experience all of
that.
But or affiliated with UMBC, soshe got to experience all of
that.
But I've heard people thatactually went and bought a house
or rent a house outside ofcampus so their kid could get
roommates and that's a huge costsavings.
But I mean because when youlive on campus I was about to
say on base when you live oncampus you're required to have a
(18:28):
meal plan, kind of like.
When you're a single on base,you got to have like you know
you got to have, like you know,be able to go to the mess hall
or something, so that's extracost.
Adriana Lopez (18:39):
Let's talk about food expenses my gosh.
So according toeducationdataorg, they said that
a college student spent about$78 billion a year on food.
I couldn't believe that.
I was like there's no way.
Shay Cook (18:58):
Is that for the world ?
No, that's America.
Adriana Lopez (19:03):
I'm sure.
But America we're expensive $7billion on food and they said
that the cost went up $10billion a year.
It's gotten up $10 billion more.
So I'm thinking what haschanged?
Now it's so accessible to getfood because of COVID, a lot of
these delivery places are makinga lot of money.
Of course there's thatconvenience You're studying or
you're on campus, you don't wantto drive off, you don't have a
vehicle but yeah that the mealplans and I know that you had
(19:25):
experience with the meal plansfor your daughter, but I just
couldn't believe the cost ofthese meal plans.
I'm like you know, I woulddefinitely be using that kitchen
in the dorm room instead ofeating out, or you know.
But of course there's got to beways that you've got to balance
all of this.
Shay Cook (19:41):
Yeah, because not every dorm room, like her first
two years, she didn't haveaccess to a kitchen.
I think they had a communitykitchen in the dorm but not in
her room, and then she had afull kitchen in her apartments,
of course.
But the meal plan what I usedto get mad of and I got mad
about this in high school is youget these meal plans and these
kids choose to go eat off campusor they don't use all of their
credits or their points.
It's just like, wow, ok, I usedto get on a lot.
(20:04):
I'm like dude, you got to usethis money, because if you don't
use it, you lose it Literally.
Adriana Lopez (20:08):
It doesn't carry over.
Shay Cook (20:11):
It doesn't carry over and I'm like girl so I wouldn't
mind her.
Today and I hated doing that toher I'm like you still got
money.
You need to go over there.
Like at the end of the year, atthe end of the semester, I was
like you better go to thebookstore and use cause she was
able to use the credit there.
You better go get some books orsome supplies, some gear from
(20:31):
UMBC.
She'll go get some shirts.
I was like I call it a messhall because we're military.
But going to the dining facilityshe would go to Starbucks
Chick-fil-A there was this otherbreakfast place on campus and
the money didn't go as far thereas it did.
So she would get a lot morefood at the dining facility than
if she went to Starbucks andonly can get like a coffee and a
bagel or something.
(20:51):
So I used to get on about that.
She's like but there's no, Idon't have time to go over there
.
So I know I was a pain.
And then when she moved into anapartment you have a smaller
meal plan so you can still getlike your snacks and stuff, but
then you have to start buyingyour own food.
So she had a job throughoutcollege and I'm like you're
paying for your food, you'regoing to have to go to a grocery
store, and so she startedlearning like store.
(21:16):
And so she started learninglike I'm going to go to Aldi or
all these like Trader Joe's,where it's cheaper, and she
would get her budget and shemade like $50, you know, she
would make use $50 a week to buyher food for the weekend.
So she was really very budgetconscious when it came to that.
Thank God for that.
Adriana Lopez (21:28):
And you know, I think, that it's going to be
hard, especially, like youmentioned, she didn't have a
kitchen.
And if you don't have thatavailability, you know, have a
good balance.
I mean, if you can have somesnacks or things in your dorm,
or, you know, of course, if youhave a kitchen, even better,
look up some recipes because,you know not, not every college
student is going to know how tocook.
Shay Cook (21:47):
Yeah.
Adriana Lopez (21:48):
Or you may have that roommate that does know how
to cook, so maybe that'ssomething that you could think
about, about saying, hey, we'llbuy the ingredients, everything
you need if you cook for us,something like that.
But also if you're going todefinitely around a college
campus, I noticed that that'slike where all the good
restaurants and all the fastfood places I mean, I'm here
(22:09):
near Tampa, so we have theUniversity of Southern Florida,
and so I see all of these greatplaces because the VA hospital's
over there too.
So I'm just like, wow, I mean Ican eat at all these places when
I come over here, but I couldsee how enticing it is for
someone young.
And again, think of ways thatyou could save with those costs
to have a good, healthy balance.
Look for those studentdiscounts, look for two-for-one
(22:40):
opportunities where you can gowith your roommates you know,
sometimes there's those specialsso maybe having loyalty or
rewards to the restaurants you'dlike to eat at because $78
billion that is definitely allgoing to like Uber.
It's a lot of money, but justfinding ways because you know
you're going to want to enjoyhanging out and eating with your
friends, but definitely doingit in a wise consumer way.
You know and I didn't knowthere was this website it's
called Uni Days and that's whereyou can go and unidayscom, and
(23:03):
then you can get differentdiscounts on food tech, clothing
.
It's kind of like how themilitary, you know, has that
verified for discounts as well.
Same thing for students wherethey verify their enrollment and
then it shows them all theplaces that have discounts.
So it could be some of yourplaces that you're already
enjoying, but now you can gothere and get discounts.
Shay Cook (23:24):
Yeah, my daughter knew about all those student
discounts because she used it onAmazon, she used it on Spotify,
like she made sure she tookadvantage of her student
discounts for that budgetingpurposes.
Yeah, but what about otherunexpected expenses like health
insurance, medical costs?
Alana went on campus duringthat time.
She was under our militaryTRICARE plan, but it don't
(23:46):
matter what the medical issuewas.
But we got a $200 bill.
I was like what the where doesthis come from?
We got insurance but becauseshe had to go on campus to get
health care, they didn't takethe insurance or whatever the
situation may be, there's anoutside of that, eating, which
is a huge so living and eating,which is a big cost for most of
us.
You got the health insurance,you got the Greek life, you got
(24:07):
the transportation, if they'reout of state.
You know, I always tell peoplelike are you counting in the
flights or the drive fromMassachusetts to Florida?
I mean, are you counting that?
You know the moving expenses themoving expenses yeah.
Adriana Lopez (24:30):
I know, like with the military, I think if you
500 miles from can't rememberexactly what it was, but the
military does give you the GIBill.
I'm sorry, the GI Bill gives youa stipend if you if you're in a
rural area and you have to movecloser to the college that
you're attending.
But maybe also looking forscholarships that help you with
some of those costs Not justalways just tuition that
scholarships cover.
But no, it can get reallyexpensive, I mean.
(24:51):
That's why making a budget,creating a budget for all of
those expenses I think tuitionis something a lot of people
always focus on.
And those little expenses, likeyou mentioned Greek life.
You know being part of anyfraternity or sorority, I had no
idea, I've never been part ofone, but that is a big expense
for a lot of college studentsthat are members of those
fraternity.
There's events, there'sactivities got to buy clothing,
(25:14):
of course attire to attendcertain things, and you know.
Then you have to pay theentrance fees just like sporting
events as well?
Yeah, so it can add up If youwant to enjoy your college years
.
I think those, for a lot ofpeople, are their most memorable
years.
But just being wise about howyou're spending your money and
(25:35):
having that budget and saying,okay, like you mentioned
transportation, if you don'thave a vehicle, you're coming
from out of state and you know avehicle wasn't something that
was in your plan to purchase.
You're going to be depending ontransportation, but a lot of
campuses have buses my mom gotout to Rut, yeah.
She's a bus driver, so she isdriving buses in the middle of
(25:58):
the night picking up studentsfrom labs.
So there is that you knowtransportation.
I mean you know, yeah,sometimes you'll have to maybe
stand out there, it might becold.
But just be aware that if youare going to use these ride
sharing, share ride companies,make sure that you either maybe
share with your fellowclassmates, put it in your
budget, have a certain amount.
If you know you're going towork, staying late at the
(26:20):
library, so have a plan for that.
Know the bus schedule on campusso you know what's available,
maybe with your classmate thatdoes have a vehicle working
something out to split the costof gas to help out.
So those are things that takeinto consideration and get some
savings there.
Shay Cook (26:38):
That's what I did.
I had a car and Alana had a carcoming.
Man, we're sounding reallybougie and rich and we're not,
but I had a car my first yearsof being on campus.
Alana had it the whole fouryears.
I used to be like back in theday gas was 99 cents a gallon
y'all, so I was like y'all youpay, oh no, you spend exactly,
man I was like I'll have $5 totry to fill up, or half way, my
(27:03):
little red neon I had back inthe day, and so, and Alana did
the same thing.
I'd be like, girl, if you'retaking your friends somewhere,
like she would take them to thegrocery store or something, I'm
like you better get some moneyfor that gas, girl.
But then all the other expensesyou got to still make sure your
tires are good, your oilchanges.
Like insurance, Like there's somany like you out here in these
streets living like a real fulladult life on campus, Like you
(27:25):
got to make sure tuition, thehousing, the food, the car, the
books and supplies, the Greeklife, the insurance, the health
insurance oh my Lord, it's likea preview.
Adriana Lopez (27:36):
It's a preview, it's almost like real life
already.
You know you're getting a wayto being a good steward, just
like you said.
You know that's what we want todo.
We want to be good stewards ofGod's money, the money that he
entrusted us with.
You know having thatresponsibility to whom much is
given.
You know much is expected.
Shay Cook (27:55):
Yeah, exactly, responsibility to whom?
Adriana Lopez (27:56):
much is given, you know much is expected.
It's something that I think, inthe end, we want to make sure
that we're using all the giftsthat we're being blessed with,
and using it wisely and using itresponsibly, because, you know,
it all belongs to him.
We're just here to manage it.
Shay Cook (28:11):
We're just here to manage it.
Y'all I mean that's what y'allwaste money about that
crossroads of religion and money.
God gives it to us to manageand be responsible, and that
includes college and you havekids, you get married and you're
out in this work world.
Wherever you're at, you need tobe responsible with God's money
.
So, wow, this is great.
Lot of people didn't realizeall of the extra expenses to go
(28:35):
into college, because a lot ofpeople don't talk about this.
They're always focused on thetuition, which is the biggest
expense that we should betalking about that.
But sometimes, if you add allthe extra expenses, it's
probably just as much, if notmore, as tuition.
Adriana Lopez (28:49):
Yeah, that's crazy.
And I would love to hear fromlisteners other expenses that
maybe we're not even thinkingabout or covering because and
how were you able to save?
So I definitely want to hearfrom our listeners and ask you
know what other expenses arethere, those little expenses
that you know you don't thinkabout and once you're there
you're like, oh OK, you knowyeah.
Shay Cook (29:12):
Drop it in our social media platforms or send us an
email, an email at yahweh, atcrusaders4changeorg.
We would love to hear that.
So any last thoughts.
Brianna, first of all, I haveto stop because, girl, where you
been all my life, this wasgreat.
I know we always had greatconversations offline and I know
you feel a certain way aboutbeing out front, but you're
(29:34):
amazing.
That was amazing.
I love this conversation.
Any last thoughts?
Adriana Lopez (29:39):
Just remember those little expenses.
Having a budget is essential.
Being a good steward meansyou're being intentional, so
managing your money in the bestway that not only is going to
help alleviate so much, help yousave, help you stay out of debt
if you can help it, but alsohelp you be generous.
Shay Cook (30:01):
Yeah.
Adriana Lopez (30:02):
And that's going to be such an important thing.
You know that's God's intentfor us to have generosity with
our money and be able to blessothers.
Just definitely.
You know, remembering whatbeing a good steward is.
And, of course, again, thissets you up for the future.
It's going to help you becauseif you can manage now, you're
(30:22):
going to be able to do so muchbetter when you're definitely
growing a family.
Now you have a mortgage or ahome.
You know it's going to set youup for success.
Shay Cook (30:28):
That's so true and then try to stay away from the
debt y'all the credit cards andall that, because that can just
lead to even more.
I was there.
I got all those credit cards incollege and it was like, oh my
God, now I got to pay this debtoff after I had a baby and all
that good stuff.
But that's for another episode.
So thank you, guys for joiningus.
Thank you, adriana, for yourbeautiful spirit and everything
(30:50):
you do for us and beyond, andwe'll see you soon.
Guys, a big thank you forlistening to this episode.
We hope you found today's chatabout the intersection of
religion and money insightful.
We would love to hear yourfeedback.
Hit that subscribe button orfollow the podcast, and please
(31:12):
feel free to leave us a review.
For the latest Yahweh's Moneycontent, visit us at
crusaders4changeorg or find usanywhere you listen to podcasts.
Until next time, stayfinancially fit and spiritually
inspired and remember it'salways better Yahweh's way.
You know, we did the whole going to visit the
campuses and I was blown away.
I was just like there'sStarbucks, there's the state of
the art gym and you can liveright here.
And so I got caught up in that.
Luckily, his father was alsoinvolved in the process and was
like no, it's going to be tooexpensive, like that's all hype.
(00:24):
And I don't think that that'shype for everybody.
I think that there's, you know,those benefits of living on
campus.
You know you feel like secure,there's security, you're there,
you're able just to walk toclass for some students.
So I think it's a goodexperience for some families.
But I also want people to knowthat there are alternatives,
like commuting.
Shay Cook (00:45):
Ever felt those awkward vibes when religion and
money come up?
You're not alone.
Welcome to Yahweh's Money, thepodcast where we tackle the
crossroads of faith and finance.
I'm Shay Cook an AccreditedFinancial Counselor and CEO and
founder of Crusaders for ChangeLLC.
Join us on our journey as wediscuss topics like tithing,
(01:06):
saving and conquering debtthrough religious perspectives.
Let's get started.
Hey, everyone, welcome back toanother episode of Yahweh's
Money.
This is Shay, your host.
And before I introduce ourspecial guest, I want to first
thank our regular and newlisteners and second, our to
our new and listeners and second, I want to share some news
(01:27):
about us leveling up thispodcast.
Today's episode will introduceour new run of show format,
which will to allow us to bemore conversational and
authentic.
Plus, we have a new podcastproducer, the award-winning
Crackers and Soup.
Plus, new graphics are comingsoon.
So thank God and our specialguest host for their inspiration
(01:49):
to level up Yahweh's money.
And before I introduce ouramazing guest, I wanted to
provide a quick description ofwhat we're going to talk about
today.
We're going to talk about thereal cost of college, beyond
tuition.
When most people think aboutthe cost of college, they're
immediately thinking of tuitionand student loans.
And yes, they are expensive.
But according tosavingsforcollege.
(02:09):
com, the average 2024 to 2025tuition and fees for tuition
in-state students at publicuniversities are approximately
$11,260 to $29,000 forout-of-state students.
So I know my daughter paid moreof that for in-state.
So but let's take a step backand think about the real cost of
(02:29):
college.
We're talking about the hiddenexpenses that pile up over time,
things like dorm furniture,textbooks, parking permits and
the countless fees we don't takeinto account in our financial
aid package.
FIn today's episode, we're
helping you think outside thebox when it comes to college
expenses and what the highereducation really costs for you.
So in Proverbs 27, 23, it tellsus be sure you know the
(02:53):
condition of your flocks, givecareful attention to your herds.
This verse encourages carefulplanning and attention, which is
exactly what you'll be doing bybringing awareness for those
unconsidered college expenses.
So I'm so excited to introduceour guest host.
She's just been pivotal in thispodcast.
(03:14):
She's amazing.
She's sweet, kind, she'sGod-fearing.
She's a child of God, mother,wife, military veteran, military
spouse, finra Foundation Fellowand an accredited financial
counselor.
Former Yahweh's Money podcastproducer again our inspiration
for our podcast and nowCrusaders for Change's lead
financial counselor AdrianaLopez.
(03:35):
Hey, adriana, hey friend.
Adriana Lopez (03:37):
Hi friend, Hi Shay, Thank you for that sweet
introduction.
Yes, ma'am, I mean I'm justblessed to be part of this, you
know amazing journey and sothank you for having me on.
I really appreciate you and allyour mentorship, so I'm glad to
be part of this.
It's a blessing.
Shay Cook (03:54):
No, I'm so excited.
I've been wanting you on thispodcast for two years now three
seasons but you have beenpivotal in such you.
Yeah, finally, we got you outin the front end because you
were in the back end, so tell usa little bit more about who
Adriana is
Adriana Lopez (04:09):
Well, like you said I am an Army veteran,
Hoorah, Hoorah, I am animmigrant too.
That's a big part of my identity.
I was originally born fromColombia, so I am just really
excited about all theopportunities that I've been
blessed with living in thiscountry, being able to be part
of the military, having twoamazing kids you know my husband
(04:31):
also just retiring.
So we're in this new chapter ofour lives here in Florida just
working with Crusaders forChange.
Being in this sector, you knowfinancial counseling for me was
a pivot in my career because Iwas mostly doing logistics with
the federal government and sothis opportunity came up to be
awarded and blessed with theFINRA Military Spouse Fellowship
(04:54):
.
I was, like you know, I reallylike finances.
I know a little bit, and when Idid the fellowship I said I
don't know anything.
And it's been a great journey.
Ever since I've learned so much.
I've been able to take thosegifts and those talents and help
others.
So I am forever grateful forthat opportunity because it is
(05:15):
truly life changing.
So just glad to be part of this.
Shay Cook (05:18):
It really is, and a shout out to FINRA Foundation
for all they do.
They are amazing.
I found out about thefellowship back in 2006, Seven
and man, has it been a gamechanger for my professional life
as well.
So let's talk about how we knoweach other.
So how did you find Crusadersfor Change or Shay Cook?
Well, I remember that.
Adriana Lopez (05:39):
AFCPE.
Yeah yeah, which are, you know,the ones that give us the AFC
designation?
They had a career fair and sothey had posted it on social
media, had seen it and I waslike, oh, I'm going to, you know
, attend this fair and you wereone of the hosts there.
So I remember going into yourroom because this was all
virtual, this was still you know, during the COVID era, and so I
(06:02):
was like, okay, you know, Ireally liked the conversation.
I was really interested inwanting to volunteer and work on
my experience hours.
You know, I didn't know you.
I applied.
I remember turning in my resumeto you and hearing back from
you and you told me yeah, youknow, I want you to be a part of
the team and help us in someareas, you know.
So I was just really gladbecause then I got to know you
(06:24):
better, got to know the missionof Crusaders for Change, which
you know I was just so impressedby everything that you've done
where you brought yourorganization to, so I was just
like really glad that you tookme on.
Shay Cook (06:35):
Yeah, and I think we met a little before that, when
you were going through theactual course for the FINRA
Foundation, the orientation,with Cherie Stevie.
Yeah, yeah, so I remember youbeing on there, weren't you on
the virtual?
Adriana Lopez (06:49):
The first orientation.
Shay Cook (06:50):
Yeah, so I remember meeting you there and us maybe
meeting offline after that, butyeah, and you were in Italy then
.
Adriana Lopez (06:56):
Yeah, I was in Italy.
Shay Cook (06:58):
So well, welcome back to United States Crazy,
America.
So, guys, in our new runningshow, our new process here, our
format, I should say we're goingto start asking like rapid fire
questions and then we'll gointo the main topics and teach
tips about the topic of the day,which is the real cost of
college.
But let's do some quick rapidfire questions before we move
(07:19):
into our main talking point.
What was your last purchasethat you were most excited about
?
Adriana Lopez (07:26):
Oh, I sent you a picture of it.
Oh, you did.
It was the Eagles Super Bowlmemorabilia, that's right, yeah,
that was so nice.
I love giving that to myhusband for Valentine's Day and
our anniversary because they goboth hand in hand.
So I also bought one for mybest friend.
Oh nice, she's a huge Eaglesfan, so if the Super Bowl ticket
(07:46):
, a big replica of it with allthe players' signatures.
So I was really excited.
I haven't given hers yet.
Her birthday was last week.
Shay Cook (07:53):
Oh, okay, she's going to be super excited.
Adriana Lopez (07:56):
Yeah, she doesn't even know, so hopefully this
episode doesn't air before?
Shay Cook (07:58):
Oh no, I don't think it will.
Well, she does.
Happy birthday you're gonna getan amazing gift, and
congratulations to the egos.
That was awesome.
That was awesome.
Yeah, for me, the last purchaseI was most excited about was
beyonce tickets oh, that's soexciting my sister and my niece
(08:23):
sat online for two hours to getthose dang on cowboy parter
tickets and we're huge Beyoncefans.
I don't know why.
I just not, even I'm not readyto say I'm part of the Beehive.
My husband's, like you, arepart of the Beehive.
I'm like no, I'm not.
I always want to be different,but I'm super excited about that
because Beyonce is one of thebest entertainers of all time,
so she is amazing and I mean I'mtickets for high.
(08:43):
We're not going to talk aboutthat.
Talk about it in anotherepisode.
I felt a little bit of shameand embarrassment.
I don't do a lot.
I justify it by I don't do alot.
Adriana Lopez (08:56):
So hey, I'm going to spend on.
Shay Cook (08:57):
Beyonce and we're sitting on the field, so wow,
and all three of you are going,all three.
My daughter, she said when shewent last year and she was like
it was too much, so she wants togo see Kendrick instead.
I was like, all right, we gosee Kendrick and SZA.
But yeah, I'm excited aboutthat, so all right.
Next question what is yourfavorite way to save?
Adriana Lopez (09:15):
My favorite way is automate.
Automate all day, every day,set it and forget it.
That has been, for us,instrumental to be able to save
our emergency fund, our goldfunds.
What?
Shay Cook (09:27):
about you into another savings so and another
savings and another savings.
So yeah, I love using like theclub accounts too to separate
Cause I like to have likespecific, measurable, smart
goals Like, all right, I'm goingto save this amount for
(09:47):
Christmas for my nieces andnephews, my daughter, my husband
and so forth, or I'm saving fora new car, or I'm saving for
the insurance that I want to payoff this year, whatever it may
be, I love to do the clubaccounts too, so automate club
so yeah, and I love to have thenames of each savings.
Adriana Lopez (10:04):
When I log into my bank I edit the name and I it
just my incentive every time Isee.
Oh, the vacation fund, you know, is getting there.
Same, same.
I have the vacation fund.
Shay Cook (10:15):
I got the holiday Christmas holiday fund.
Let me tell you a story when Ihad my when he may he rest in
peace Titan, my dog bulldog thatdied two years ago, going on
three before we got him, wenamed it Titan Savings, like
literally, we had a TitanSavings two years before we even
had Titan.
So cause we knew, as theEnglish bulldog, they can be
expensive, so we started savingfor him yeah, I know you got
(10:37):
many, so being able and then Ikept Titan savings till he died
because of all the otheremergencies and all of the
medical expenses.
So that was always the saving.
So may he rest in peace, mybaby, all right.
Last question what feeling doyou associate with money?
Money?
Adriana Lopez (10:55):
Security For sure .
You know I just had a dentalemergency that you know about.
If I didn't have the money tocover that unexpected expense, I
wouldn't be able to have takencare of it.
And so for me, that securitythat I know this happened.
I've got the money sittingthere for us for this type of
stuff, so let's go for it.
(11:17):
I didn't want to go with theprocedure, but I needed it, so
I'm glad that I had the moneythere.
So security for me is the firstthing that comes to my mind.
Shay Cook (11:25):
Yeah, For me I would say freedom is a feeling
Security goes along with freedom, but sometimes there is shame,
there's still.
Like I was thinking about thatwith the Beyonce tickets or when
I went to this event this weekand all these women were walking
around with all these clotheson great clothes, and I'm like
right now, for many reasons I'mnot buying a lot of clothes.
(11:47):
First of all because I have acloset full of nice clothes and
I need to just lose some moreweight, but also it's just like
I don't want to be spending allmy money on that.
But then I have this shameabout I should be looking a
certain way.
I battle with this and I'm sureit's from childhood and I
probably talk about it intherapy.
But there is still shame aroundmoney with me and I you know
hey, I'm real and I'm afinancial counselor almost shoot
(12:09):
over 15 plus years and, yeah,it's still there's shame there.
But the freedom is nice toknowing that I have savings in
case something comes up.
So that security piece too,yeah, well, thank you for that.
I love that rapid fire.
That's going to be fun, yeah.
So let's get in talking aboutthe real cost of college beyond
tuition.
You know a lot of people focuson the tuition pieces or piece
(12:32):
of college which can be reallyexpensive in America and
honestly shame on America forhaving tuition so high.
But you know there's thingslike the dorm versus off campus
living or other academic costs,so let's get into that.
I know you have a son that wasrecently in college.
You've been in college, I'vebeen to college, my kid was in
college.
Adriana Lopez (12:49):
I never lived on campus.
My son didn't live on campus,so I don't have that experience.
But he commutes and just thatsaving alone could be about
$14,000 for a family a year.
So I want my son to know thatI'm saving him $14,000 a year by
(13:10):
him living with us.
So eventually you don't want tosee that money back and the
return is going to be, of course, in his education.
But I did the community collegething and then I went to a
four-year school but I commutedas well.
It didn't even fathom to everlive on a campus for me.
I never thought that could be apossibility because I would
hear that people say that it wasexpensive.
(13:32):
And for my son, you know, Iwanted I did want that
experience because I was, likeyou know, we did the whole going
to visit the campuses and I wasblown away.
I was just like there'sStarbucks, there's state of the
art gym and you can live righthere, and so I got caught up in
that.
Luckily his father was alsoinvolved in the process and was
(13:55):
like no, it's going to be tooexpensive, like that's all hype.
And I don't think that that'shype for everybody.
I think that there's, you know,those benefits of living on
campus.
You know you feel like secure,there's security, you're there,
you're able just to walk toclass for some students.
So I think it's a goodexperience for some families.
(14:15):
But I also want people to knowthat there are alternatives,
like commuting, like perhapsliving in a residence off campus
and sharing with roommates.
I know that you know yourdaughter Alana.
Shay Cook (14:26):
you know she lived on campus the whole four years,
yeah, and I lived on campus twoyears and for me it was back in
97.
God I'm old.
It was because I needed to getthe H-E-U-K-O what out of my
parents' house.
I was like I am not living herewith y'all, you know what?
Adriana Lopez (14:42):
That's why I went to the army.
Shay Cook (14:44):
Exactly Right.
It was independence.
It was like I'm getting out ofhere.
And even though it was so, Iwent to UMBC.
It was like 20, 30 minutes frommy parents' house, so literally
I should have lived down athome, but I still had two
siblings at home and it was justso much drama and I was like I
don't want to live here.
So I was just like, yeah, I'mgoing to UMBC and I'm going to
live on campus.
And, man, yes, I wish somebodyhad talked to me about that
(15:06):
because it was so expensive.
And actually I moved home mysoft middle sophomore year
because my roommate was allabout doing certain things with
her boyfriend while I was there.
Adriana Lopez (15:17):
And I was like yeah, it was great.
Shay Cook (15:19):
And so I was like my mom went up there and went off
on her and stuff.
I'm like man, hopefully she'snot listening.
You know, girl, I still loveyou.
And so I had to leave and but Irealized I have saved so much
money because I moved back home.
but then I got married thatsummer or that yeah, that summer
and so I was saving so muchbecause living on campus was an
(15:40):
extra like 10, 15,000 a year andthat's, and I did the student
loan route.
So when I got out of UMBC, Ihad like 30,000 student loans.
Back then tuition wasn'texpensive.
It was only like 5,000 asemester, which I mean still a
lot of money, but it wasn't asmuch as what my daughter was
paying.
So it was really expensive.
(16:00):
And but the experience I hadliving outside, I mean because I
got married young I was 20 whenI got married so I think God
was planning something, becausehe knew I needed to get out of
my parents' house and experienceliving away from my parents
before I got married, becausethen I've been married 25 years,
so I would have never reallyexperienced living outside with
(16:21):
nobody, right?
I always had a roommate, though, but so it was great.
But, yeah, living off campus isthe way to go if you have a
good home situation, because Ihave to add that in there
because not everybody wants tobe at home and you can't afford
it Like, let's be real, theaffordability of it all.
Not everybody's capable toafford the exuberant cost of
(16:41):
living on campus.
It's so expensive.
Adriana Lopez (16:44):
Yeah, and I think roommates too, like talking
with your you know friends.
If you're going to the sameschool, you know that's an
option too for you to discuss Ifyou know that you're not going
to be able to live on campus butyou want to live off campus
where you could save a lot more.
You know you're not going to beliving at home or educationdata.
org you're going out of state.
So just looking into roommatesand also, if you don't have
(17:04):
friends going there, but lookingat some of the you know
postings for roommates for yourcollege campus and I'm sure
there's going to be a lot ofinformation so that'd be a good
option to share the rent, youknow, with four roommates, of
course, people you can trust andyou know are going to be, you
know.
I mean, you know you're alwaysgoing to run into things, but at
least having still thatexperience, like you said, that
(17:26):
independence, which I thinkthat's such a great thing,
because that's one of the thingsthat I kind of would like.
I wish my son would have had,that you Like.
I wish my son would have hadthat you know, to be off on his
own and kind of make his way inthat aspect of it.
But at least people that arelooking for cost savings is to
consider roommates, so you couldsave even more.
Shay Cook (17:43):
Yeah, and schools do a good job of trying to pair you
with a roommate.
You know, my two roommates onlyhad two.
They were amazing women.
I mean, we were young though,we were in 18, 19.
And my daughter's samesituation, her first roommate.
They didn't really get along, alot of you know.
You got the wholeboyfriend-girlfriend situation
in the mix.
It plays it, it adds a littletesty drama to the situation.
My daughter went to a differentdorm each time just to try it
(18:05):
out, and then she went toapartments on campus and then an
apartment that was off thecampus but was still owned by
UMBC or affiliated with UMBC, soshe got to experience all of
that.
But or affiliated with UMBC, soshe got to experience all of
that.
But I've heard people thatactually went and bought a house
or rent a house outside ofcampus so their kid could get
roommates and that's a huge costsavings.
But I mean because when youlive on campus I was about to
say on base when you live oncampus you're required to have a
(18:28):
meal plan, kind of like.
When you're a single on base,you got to have like you know
you got to have, like you know,be able to go to the mess hall
or something, so that's extracost.
Adriana Lopez (18:39):
Let's talk about food expenses my gosh.
So according toeducationdataorg, they said that
a college student spent about$78 billion a year on food.
I couldn't believe that.
I was like there's no way.
Shay Cook (18:58):
Is that for the world ?
No, that's America.
Adriana Lopez (19:03):
I'm sure.
But America we're expensive $7billion on food and they said
that the cost went up $10billion a year.
It's gotten up $10 billion more.
So I'm thinking what haschanged?
Now it's so accessible to getfood because of COVID, a lot of
these delivery places are makinga lot of money.
Of course there's thatconvenience You're studying or
you're on campus, you don't wantto drive off, you don't have a
vehicle but yeah that the mealplans and I know that you had
(19:25):
experience with the meal plansfor your daughter, but I just
couldn't believe the cost ofthese meal plans.
I'm like you know, I woulddefinitely be using that kitchen
in the dorm room instead ofeating out, or you know.
But of course there's got to beways that you've got to balance
all of this.
Shay Cook (19:41):
Yeah, because not every dorm room, like her first
two years, she didn't haveaccess to a kitchen.
I think they had a communitykitchen in the dorm but not in
her room, and then she had afull kitchen in her apartments,
of course.
But the meal plan what I usedto get mad of and I got mad
about this in high school is youget these meal plans and these
kids choose to go eat off campusor they don't use all of their
credits or their points.
It's just like, wow, ok, I usedto get on a lot.
(20:04):
I'm like dude, you got to usethis money, because if you don't
use it, you lose it Literally.
Adriana Lopez (20:08):
It doesn't carry over.
Shay Cook (20:11):
It doesn't carry over and I'm like girl so I wouldn't
mind her.
Today and I hated doing that toher I'm like you still got
money.
You need to go over there.
Like at the end of the year, atthe end of the semester, I was
like you better go to thebookstore and use cause she was
able to use the credit there.
You better go get some books orsome supplies, some gear from
(20:31):
UMBC.
She'll go get some shirts.
I was like I call it a messhall because we're military.
But going to the dining facilityshe would go to Starbucks
Chick-fil-A there was this otherbreakfast place on campus and
the money didn't go as far thereas it did.
So she would get a lot morefood at the dining facility than
if she went to Starbucks andonly can get like a coffee and a
bagel or something.
(20:51):
So I used to get on about that.
She's like but there's no, Idon't have time to go over there
.
So I know I was a pain.
And then when she moved into anapartment you have a smaller
meal plan so you can still getlike your snacks and stuff, but
then you have to start buyingyour own food.
So she had a job throughoutcollege and I'm like you're
paying for your food, you'regoing to have to go to a grocery
store, and so she startedlearning like store.
(21:16):
And so she started learninglike I'm going to go to Aldi or
all these like Trader Joe's,where it's cheaper, and she
would get her budget and shemade like $50, you know, she
would make use $50 a week to buyher food for the weekend.
So she was really very budgetconscious when it came to that.
Thank God for that.
Adriana Lopez (21:28):
And you know, I think, that it's going to be
hard, especially, like youmentioned, she didn't have a
kitchen.
And if you don't have thatavailability, you know, have a
good balance.
I mean, if you can have somesnacks or things in your dorm,
or, you know, of course, if youhave a kitchen, even better,
look up some recipes because,you know not, not every college
student is going to know how tocook.
Shay Cook (21:47):
Yeah.
Adriana Lopez (21:48):
Or you may have that roommate that does know how
to cook, so maybe that'ssomething that you could think
about, about saying, hey, we'llbuy the ingredients, everything
you need if you cook for us,something like that.
But also if you're going todefinitely around a college
campus, I noticed that that'slike where all the good
restaurants and all the fastfood places I mean, I'm here
(22:09):
near Tampa, so we have theUniversity of Southern Florida,
and so I see all of these greatplaces because the VA hospital's
over there too.
So I'm just like, wow, I mean Ican eat at all these places when
I come over here, but I couldsee how enticing it is for
someone young.
And again, think of ways thatyou could save with those costs
to have a good, healthy balance.
Look for those studentdiscounts, look for two-for-one
(22:40):
opportunities where you can gowith your roommates you know,
sometimes there's those specialsso maybe having loyalty or
rewards to the restaurants you'dlike to eat at because $78
billion that is definitely allgoing to like Uber.
It's a lot of money, but justfinding ways because you know
you're going to want to enjoyhanging out and eating with your
friends, but definitely doingit in a wise consumer way.
You know and I didn't knowthere was this website it's
called Uni Days and that's whereyou can go and unidayscom, and
(23:03):
then you can get differentdiscounts on food tech, clothing
.
It's kind of like how themilitary, you know, has that
verified for discounts as well.
Same thing for students wherethey verify their enrollment and
then it shows them all theplaces that have discounts.
So it could be some of yourplaces that you're already
enjoying, but now you can gothere and get discounts.
Shay Cook (23:24):
Yeah, my daughter knew about all those student
discounts because she used it onAmazon, she used it on Spotify,
like she made sure she tookadvantage of her student
discounts for that budgetingpurposes.
Yeah, but what about otherunexpected expenses like health
insurance, medical costs?
Alana went on campus duringthat time.
She was under our militaryTRICARE plan, but it don't
(23:46):
matter what the medical issuewas.
But we got a $200 bill.
I was like what the where doesthis come from?
We got insurance but becauseshe had to go on campus to get
health care, they didn't takethe insurance or whatever the
situation may be, there's anoutside of that, eating, which
is a huge so living and eating,which is a big cost for most of
us.
You got the health insurance,you got the Greek life, you got
(24:07):
the transportation, if they'reout of state.
You know, I always tell peoplelike are you counting in the
flights or the drive fromMassachusetts to Florida?
I mean, are you counting that?
You know the moving expenses themoving expenses yeah.
Adriana Lopez (24:30):
I know, like with the military, I think if you
500 miles from can't rememberexactly what it was, but the
military does give you the GIBill.
I'm sorry, the GI Bill gives youa stipend if you if you're in a
rural area and you have to movecloser to the college that
you're attending.
But maybe also looking forscholarships that help you with
some of those costs Not justalways just tuition that
scholarships cover.
But no, it can get reallyexpensive, I mean.
(24:51):
That's why making a budget,creating a budget for all of
those expenses I think tuitionis something a lot of people
always focus on.
And those little expenses, likeyou mentioned Greek life.
You know being part of anyfraternity or sorority, I had no
idea, I've never been part ofone, but that is a big expense
for a lot of college studentsthat are members of those
fraternity.
There's events, there'sactivities got to buy clothing,
(25:14):
of course attire to attendcertain things, and you know.
Then you have to pay theentrance fees just like sporting
events as well?
Yeah, so it can add up If youwant to enjoy your college years
.
I think those, for a lot ofpeople, are their most memorable
years.
But just being wise about howyou're spending your money and
(25:35):
having that budget and saying,okay, like you mentioned
transportation, if you don'thave a vehicle, you're coming
from out of state and you know avehicle wasn't something that
was in your plan to purchase.
You're going to be depending ontransportation, but a lot of
campuses have buses my mom gotout to Rut, yeah.
She's a bus driver, so she isdriving buses in the middle of
(25:58):
the night picking up studentsfrom labs.
So there is that you knowtransportation.
I mean you know, yeah,sometimes you'll have to maybe
stand out there, it might becold.
But just be aware that if youare going to use these ride
sharing, share ride companies,make sure that you either maybe
share with your fellowclassmates, put it in your
budget, have a certain amount.
If you know you're going towork, staying late at the
(26:20):
library, so have a plan for that.
Know the bus schedule on campusso you know what's available,
maybe with your classmate thatdoes have a vehicle working
something out to split the costof gas to help out.
So those are things that takeinto consideration and get some
savings there.
Shay Cook (26:38):
That's what I did.
I had a car and Alana had a carcoming.
Man, we're sounding reallybougie and rich and we're not,
but I had a car my first yearsof being on campus.
Alana had it the whole fouryears.
I used to be like back in theday gas was 99 cents a gallon
y'all, so I was like y'all youpay, oh no, you spend exactly,
man I was like I'll have $5 totry to fill up, or half way, my
(27:03):
little red neon I had back inthe day, and so, and Alana did
the same thing.
I'd be like, girl, if you'retaking your friends somewhere,
like she would take them to thegrocery store or something, I'm
like you better get some moneyfor that gas, girl.
But then all the other expensesyou got to still make sure your
tires are good, your oilchanges.
Like insurance, Like there's somany like you out here in these
streets living like a real fulladult life on campus, Like you
(27:25):
got to make sure tuition, thehousing, the food, the car, the
books and supplies, the Greeklife, the insurance, the health
insurance oh my Lord, it's likea preview.
Adriana Lopez (27:36):
It's a preview, it's almost like real life
already.
You know you're getting a wayto being a good steward, just
like you said.
You know that's what we want todo.
We want to be good stewards ofGod's money, the money that he
entrusted us with.
You know having thatresponsibility to whom much is
given.
You know much is expected.
Shay Cook (27:55):
Yeah, exactly, responsibility to whom?
Adriana Lopez (27:56):
much is given, you know much is expected.
It's something that I think, inthe end, we want to make sure
that we're using all the giftsthat we're being blessed with,
and using it wisely and using itresponsibly, because, you know,
it all belongs to him.
We're just here to manage it.
Shay Cook (28:11):
We're just here to manage it.
Y'all I mean that's what y'allwaste money about that
crossroads of religion and money.
God gives it to us to manageand be responsible, and that
includes college and you havekids, you get married and you're
out in this work world.
Wherever you're at, you need tobe responsible with God's money
.
So, wow, this is great.
Lot of people didn't realizeall of the extra expenses to go
(28:35):
into college, because a lot ofpeople don't talk about this.
They're always focused on thetuition, which is the biggest
expense that we should betalking about that.
But sometimes, if you add allthe extra expenses, it's
probably just as much, if notmore, as tuition.
Adriana Lopez (28:49):
Yeah, that's crazy.
And I would love to hear fromlisteners other expenses that
maybe we're not even thinkingabout or covering because and
how were you able to save?
So I definitely want to hearfrom our listeners and ask you
know what other expenses arethere, those little expenses
that you know you don't thinkabout and once you're there
you're like, oh OK, you knowyeah.
Shay Cook (29:12):
Drop it in our social media platforms or send us an
email, an email at yahweh, atcrusaders4changeorg.
We would love to hear that.
So any last thoughts.
Brianna, first of all, I haveto stop because, girl, where you
been all my life, this wasgreat.
I know we always had greatconversations offline and I know
you feel a certain way aboutbeing out front, but you're
(29:34):
amazing.
That was amazing.
I love this conversation.
Any last thoughts?
Adriana Lopez (29:39):
Just remember those little expenses.
Having a budget is essential.
Being a good steward meansyou're being intentional, so
managing your money in the bestway that not only is going to
help alleviate so much, help yousave, help you stay out of debt
if you can help it, but alsohelp you be generous.
Shay Cook (30:01):
Yeah.
Adriana Lopez (30:02):
And that's going to be such an important thing.
You know that's God's intentfor us to have generosity with
our money and be able to blessothers.
Just definitely.
You know, remembering whatbeing a good steward is.
And, of course, again, thissets you up for the future.
It's going to help you becauseif you can manage now, you're
(30:22):
going to be able to do so muchbetter when you're definitely
growing a family.
Now you have a mortgage or ahome.
You know it's going to set youup for success.
Shay Cook (30:28):
That's so true and then try to stay away from the
debt y'all the credit cards andall that, because that can just
lead to even more.
I was there.
I got all those credit cards incollege and it was like, oh my
God, now I got to pay this debtoff after I had a baby and all
that good stuff.
But that's for another episode.
So thank you, guys for joiningus.
Thank you, adriana, for yourbeautiful spirit and everything
(30:50):
you do for us and beyond, andwe'll see you soon.
Guys, a big thank you forlistening to this episode.
We hope you found today's chatabout the intersection of
religion and money insightful.
We would love to hear yourfeedback.
Hit that subscribe button orfollow the podcast, and please
(31:12):
feel free to leave us a review.
For the latest Yahweh's Moneycontent, visit us at
crusaders4changeorg or find usanywhere you listen to podcasts.
Until next time, stayfinancially fit and spiritually
inspired and remember it'salways better Yahweh's way.
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