356: Who Pays For College In A Stepfamily

356: Who Pays For College In A Stepfamily

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims March 27, 2026 Duration: 32:59

Curious how blended families navigate the tricky question of paying for college? Lori and David tackle financial planning, family dynamics, and the reality of college costs in stepfamilies with honesty and humor.

In this episode, you'll hear candid discussions about college expenses, scholarships, military paths, and what happens when one parent or stepparent has set aside funds for their child. Lori and David share their own experiences, like how military service and scholarships shaped their children's education, and what tough conversations arise if only one child has college savings. They dive deep into blended family finances, including inheritance, trusts, and what "fairness" really means when handling money for kids and stepkids.

You'll also get practical advice on when to start talking about finances, why it's essential to plan early, and how to manage uncomfortable conversations (with tips for mediators and financial advisors). The hosts read comments from their Facebook group, providing real-life perspectives on who pays for college.

Want more Nacho Kids wisdom? Visit https://nachokids.com for resources, join their Facebook group, and stay connected on social media. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and catch upcoming episodes for support and advice on stepfamily life!

Subscribe & Review: Help us grow and serve more stepfamilies!


Navigating the complexities of a stepfamily can feel like an isolating journey, but it doesn’t have to be. The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver offers a genuine conversation for anyone in the thick of it, hosted by Lori and David Sims. As founders of Nacho Kids and experienced blended family coaches themselves, they bring both personal insight and professional guidance to each episode. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s real talk about the daily struggles, from co-parenting tensions and sibling dynamics to maintaining your own relationship sanity. You’ll hear from the hosts and their guests as they share candid stories of both setbacks and hard-won successes, creating a sense of community. At the heart of this podcast is the practical, life-changing framework of the Nacho Kids Method, which provides tangible strategies for saving relationships and building a peaceful home. Tune in for honest discussions that replace judgment with support, offering the tools and reassurance needed to thrive in your blended family life. Each conversation is designed to make you feel understood and equipped, turning overwhelming challenges into manageable steps forward.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver
Podcast Episodes
360: Stepmom Becomes Only Legal Parent to Stepdaughter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:34
In this heartfelt episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Valerie Mills shares her remarkable story of becoming a stepmom who ultimately adopted her stepdaughter, overcoming immense obstacles and heartbreak along the way. Lis…
358: Mother's Day Doesn't Have to Suck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:47
Mother's Day is almost here, and stepmoms everywhere are bracing for the rollercoaster of emotions that this Hallmark holiday can bring. In this honest, lighthearted episode, Lori & David break down the myths, expectatio…
357: Estate Planning In Stepfamilies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:31
Discover crucial insights into estate planning, divorce mediation, and the complexities of blended families in this heartfelt episode featuring attorney Tamara Arnold. Learn why preparing legal documents for life's unexp…
355: Family Court Don'ts ~ Whitney Antoniono Family Law Attorney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:14
Struggling with family court drama or high-conflict co-parenting? In this eye-opening episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori sits down with seasoned family law attorney Whitney Antoniono to reveal the common mistak…
354: Stepkids Don't Disappear at 18 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:55
Ready for some laughs, real-life blended family moments, and practical advice? In Episode NKP354 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David go deep on navigating relationships with adult stepkids - messy bathrooms, emptie…
353: Don't Do This & Big Announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:59
Ready for some real talk about stepfamily life? In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive into the hot topic of whether stepkids should be pushed to move out at 18, and why the answer is rarely…
352: Apartnering Because Of Stepkid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:05
Get ready for a powerful and deeply honest conversation in Nacho Kids Podcast Episode 352! This week, our returning guest Laura, a stepmom from Oklahoma, shares her emotional journey navigating difficult stepfamily dynam…
351: Losing Yourself In The Blend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:49
Feeling lost in your stepfamily journey? In Nacho Kids Podcast episode 351, Lori and David get real about what it's like to lose yourself in the chaos of blending families, and how to find your way back to "you." In this…
350: Your Partner Can Be The Problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:59
Blending families isn't for the faint of heart—and losing yourself in the process is all too common. Tune in as Lori and guest Jackie Faber get real about boundaries, guilt, and reclaiming your identity in stepfamily lif…