College Aid for Entrepreneurs: Brad Baldridge on FAFSA, Hiring Your Kids & Negotiating

S5:E23 College financial planning meets entrepreneurial reality. Brad Baldridge, host of Taming the High Cost of College, breaks down complex rules into simple moves any small business owner can use to lower net price and avoid bad loans. He sat down with Dr. LL to share some INCREDIBLE cost-savings tips that you, as a small business owner, can do if you have a child in college. KEY TAKEAWAYS [06:04] FAFSA rule change for businesses.Small businesses under 100 employees now must be reported as assets. Brad explains what has value (e.g., real estate) vs. low-value consultancies—and why outdated blog posts still say otherwise. Takeaway: get current, not cached, guidance. [08:01] Put your kids on payroll (the right way). Paying teens legitimately can lower parent income without hurting aid (up to ~$11k earned income). Takeaway: move from “cash for shifts” to payroll to help taxes + aid eligibility. [08:50] Create a tuition reimbursement plan. Even small firms can mirror big-company education benefits (with rules—talk to your tax pro). Takeaway: convert wages into structured, policy-based education support. [11:06] How to negotiate offers. It’s not lawyer-vs-lawyer; it’s “can you help us?”—often led by the student. Many private schools discount; appeals are strongest with documented changes (disaster, disability, divorce, business shock). Takeaway: ask, document, and appeal respectfully. [27:11] Plan early with look-back income. Aid uses prior-prior year taxes (e.g., Class of 2025 aid uses 2023 income). MAIN Takeaway: founders who can shift income should start in 9th–10th grade to optimize the right tax years. Bonus gems throughout: model multiple income scenarios (7:20–7:44), understand “merit vs. need” by school type (18:01–19:50), and compare net prices across acceptances before falling in love with a brand name (16:15–17:12).    Brad’s site & podcast: Taming the High Cost of College 👉https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/ Baldridge College Solutions / Wealth Management 👉https://baldridgewealthmanagement.com/ 🔻And don't forget to ✅SUBSCRIBE to YouTube  ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩  ! #college #tuition #finance #smallbusiness #entrepreneur

S5:E22 In this episode of Small Biz Stories, host Dr. LL is joined by Justin Abrams, a Business & Strategy Consultant who's helped over 250 companies achieve an average 350% sales growth and 10x audience expansion. Justin is the head of Aryo Consulting Group. Both the host and guest are among UpWork's Top 1% of more than 17,000,000 freelancers, so the conversation gets interesting! We dive deep into: ✴️Why your Google and Meta ads aren't working ✴️How to run smarter, low-cost TikTok Shop campaigns ✴️The truth about LinkedIn ad funnels ✴️How to get more Google reviews (even in “boring” industries) ✴️Why most lead generation tactics fail and what actually works Justin unpacks myths, shares insider strategies, and outlines a flywheel approach that helps small businesses outpace the competition in today's oversaturated, AI-noisy market. ⏱️ Timestamps (Valuable Nuggets for Entrepreneurs) [06:27] – Why Google and Meta ads are 4x more expensive and what to do instead Justin explains how ad costs have skyrocketed and why small businesses need to rethink their marketing budgets. [11:12] – The secret edge in 2025: Combine digital strategy with physical space Learn how businesses in "unsexy" industries are dominating with smart SEO and CRO tactics. [16:02] – Why A/B testing is dead and how A to Z testing wins on TikTok Shop Justin shares a low-cost, influencer-driven strategy that outperforms traditional ad campaigns. [20:22] – Newsletter marketing that works: The “flywheel” funnel that fuels 20% conversion rates Ditch the book flogging—this circular approach builds trust, authority, and recurring revenue. [25:40] – The #1 hack to get more Google Reviews without being pushy From tipping staff to donating to charities, Justin shares genius ways to ethically increase 5-star reviews. 👉 follow us on YouTube  @Midlifesuccess  #podcast #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #smallbizstories #marketing #leadgeneration

S5:E21 In this Small Biz Stories episode, Dr. LL sits down with Michael Barbarita, Jr., a fractional CFO, award-winning speaker, author of Powerful Business Strategies, and serial entrepreneur who's helped generate millions across industries from retail to manufacturing. With over 40 years of financial leadership and firsthand entrepreneurial grit, Michael shares how small business owners can make smarter financial decisions, structure irresistible offers, and unlock hidden value in their companies. You’ll walk away with tactical advice on: 💰Making compelling offers rooted in financial logic 💰Avoiding rookie money mistakes 💰Scaling sustainably using simply money-making moves to sell more product 💰Building a business that sells itself—with numbers to back it If you’ve ever thought, “I need someone to make sense of my business finances,” this episode is for you. ⏱️ Highlights (Tips & Insights): “It’s not just about revenue. It’s about value.” Michael explains why adding real business value requires more than top-line growth; it’s about strategic financial infrastructure.  “A compelling offer starts with understanding your costs.” Learn why most business offers fail and how anchoring your offer in margin and value unlocks results.  “Hire a fractional CFO before you think you need one.” The right time to bring in financial help isn’t when you're drowning; it's before the flood. Michael explains when and why.  “Small business owners should stop guessing and start forecasting.”  Discover a simple forecasting framework any founder can use to predict cash flow and growth opportunities. “Financial clarity builds confidence for you and your investors.” Michael reveals how financial reporting done right can turn uncertainty into investor-ready trust.  Don't forget to subscribe to YouTube  @Midlifesuccess  #entrepreneur #business #money #smallbusiness #finance

You when you just "hit it off" with a total stranger? Watch the ideas fly! What a fabulous guest and learning experience! Filip is easy going and curious which is a terrific combination to understand how to get unstuck in the customer journey. In this episode, Filip Sardi, founder of Client Flow™, reveals to Dr. LL how online entrepreneurs can stop chasing new clients and start multiplying results with the ones they already have. Drawing from 11+ years in coaching and eLearning, Filip shares actionable strategies to make client success predictable, scalable, and profitable. From onboarding to upsells, he explains how to create lasting growth engines that build trust, retention, and referrals. Key Takeaways: ✴️ Why focusing on existing clients generates more profit than constantly hunting new ones. ✴️ How to design an onboarding experience that builds trust quickly and sets clients up for success. ✴️ Identifying drop-off points in client momentum—and what to do about them before they churn. ✴️ Using the ClientFlow Pulse™ AI tool to see which clients are thriving, stuck, or ready for more. ✴️ Designing upsells that feel like a natural next step, boosting revenue without feeling “salesy.” Whether you’re a course creator, high-end service provider, or membership owner, this episode will give you concrete systems to increase retention, referrals, and long-term profitability. To learn more about Filip's work 👇 https://filipsardi.com/ Follow Filip on Instagram 👇 https://www.instagram.com/filip.sardi/ 🔻And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube  @Midlifesuccess  #business #entrepreneur #sales #growth #smallbusiness #learning

S5:E19 In this inspiring episode of Small Biz Stories, we sit down with New Jersey photographer and former educator Janet Joyner, founder of Janet Joyner Photography📸, to explore how she empowers women (especially those over 40) to rediscover their beauty, embrace confidence, and show up strong in a digital world. Janet shares invaluable photography tips, branding insights, and her journey of starting a business at 50 after leaving education. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a woman reinventing herself, or just camera-shy, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to be seen, and remembered. 💡 Timestamps & Takeaways: 📸[2:45] Starting at 50: Reinventing Yourself Is Always Possible “You're never too old. I love photography—so I said, why not try it?” 📸[4:45] How to Make Anyone Feel Beautiful in Front of a Camera “I sell you the way the world sees you—not the way you see yourself.” 📸[7:54] Top 3 Photo Tips for Women Over 40 "Back straight, create space, and 'turtle' your neck for a slimmer profile." 📸[10:55] Why Great Headshots Matter More Than Ever “People make snap decisions based on your headshot—invest in it.”  📸[15:35] Genius Business Card Strategy That Gets Remembered “Each card features different client portraits—people remember the card and the photographer.” ✨ Bonus: Hear how Janet fosters authentic community through love-tapping and weekly support circles—boosting visibility, connection, and confidence for women entrepreneurs. 💡 Learn more about Janet's work: https://janetjoyner.com/index.html *️⃣Don't forget to follow us on YouTube @MidlifeSuccess! #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #photography #headshot #women

S5:E18 In this heartwarming and brilliant episode of Small Biz Stories, Dr. LL welcomes Jonathan Mast, affectionately known as “The Whitebeard of AI." He is a generous educator, strategist, and AI expert with a mission to make AI accessible for small business owners. Jonathan reveals the top 3 AI tools every entrepreneur should be using, how to overcome fear and overwhelm with technology, and how to create an AI-powered board of advisors (fictional and real!). He also shares touching and unexpected ways he’s used AI from health advocacy to writing a tear-jerking Mother’s Day letter. Whether you're AI-curious or already deep in prompt engineering, this episode will inspire you to embrace the future with practical tips, humor, and a Santa-sized dose of generosity. 🧠 Topics Covered: Must-have AI tools for beginners Prompting frameworks that work Overcoming AI fear with confidence Building your own AI board of advisors How AI can support emotional intelligence and relationships   🎯 Perfect for: Small business owners, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, consultants, and coaches.   LEARN MORE ABOUT Jonathan Mast 👉https://jonathanmast.com/ JOIN his AI Entrepreneurs HUB 👉https://tac.whitebeardstrategies.com/communities/groups/ai-entrepreneurs/home ✴️And don't forget to follow us on YouTube @MidlifeSuccess ⏱️ Timestamp Highlights (SEO-Rich Tips): 1:12 – “You don’t need the perfect tool. You just need a tool—and start!” ➡️ Stop chasing perfection—Jonathan breaks down 3 simple tools to start your AI journey: ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Midjourney. 9:00 – “Use this 4-step framework for perfect prompts.” ➡️ Jonathan reveals his prompting method: declare the expert, give context, ask a question, then say: “Ask me any questions you have.” 15:13 – “I built a board of advisors using AI—real, fictional, and even dead people.”  ➡️ A mind-blowing technique to simulate advice from Steve Jobs, Tony Stark, and others using generative AI. 23:00 – “The fear of AI is like asking someone out—you overthink it. Just try it.” ➡️ Jonathan likens AI hesitation to dating nerves—his advice? Jump in! It’s not scary, and it won’t bite. 26:22 – “Search ‘white beard AI guy’—you’ll find me.” ➡️ Jonathan’s signature branding: a heart-led leader whose goal is to help you save time, make money, and grow smarter with AI. 🔖#AI #JonathanMast #Entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #podcast

S5:E15 Discover how small businesses can punch above their weight with actionable PR strategies from Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases and renowned PR expert. In this episode, Mickie shares his journey from creative writing to building a leading press release distribution service, and delivers practical insights for entrepreneurs aiming for real media coverage, credibility, and results without the big agency price tag. Growth hacking at its finest! Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs via Mickie's discussion with Dr. LL: [4:15] The Power of Storytelling in Press Releases: Mickie explains how shifting from dry data tables to compelling stories in press releases led to major media coverage, opening new markets and building credibility for his company. [7:24] Identifying Market Opportunities: He describes how listening to journalists' needs and early trends (like email distribution) inspired the creation of eReleases, showing the importance of adapting to industry shifts. [9:00] Affordable Access to National Media: Mickie reveals how eReleases partners with PR Newswire to offer national press release distribution at a fraction of the typical cost, making media access feasible for small businesses. [10:25] Knowing When to Make the Leap: For those balancing a day job and a side hustle, Mickie shares his conservative approach—saving six months of living expenses and waiting until his business generated double his living costs before going full-time. [11:31] Financial Caution in Growth: He discusses the importance of financial reserves before hiring employees, emphasizing responsible growth and risk management for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a startup founder, author, or small business owner, this episode delivers actionable PR tips and inspiring stories to help you gain real media traction and grow your business. 🤝 Connect with Mickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/ 📣 Learn how to get seen with Mickie's FREE resources regarding How to Win with Press Releases https://www.ereleases.com/ ✴️ follow @MidlifeSuccess on YouTube and don't forget to 👍LIKE this episode! #entrepreneur #marketing #pressconference

How do you handle Mondays? Noah Staum drops advice on how to make your Monday matter, including some Monday Motivation from Grit Daily Columnist Loralyn Mears, Ph.D., on how to "Enjoy The Ride." Plus, the latest trending news from Grit Daily: Remains Of A Missing Man Found Via Google Earth Walmart and Groupon Cash In On Healthcare Whole Foods Cuts Medical Benefits