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
339: Gifts Between Homes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:48
This week on Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David dive deep into the often sticky subject of gifts: where they go, who they belong to, and the emotional complexities when kids want to bring presents between homes. Whether…
337: I'm Not Buying The Stepkid Christmas Presents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:13
Holidays in a blended family don't have to be stressful! In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David dive into real-life stories and practical tips on how to navigate gift-giving, family traditions, and fin…
336: I'm Not Leaving My Stepkid Nothing In My Will [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:12
In this candid and often humorous episode, Lori and David pull back the curtain on their personal lives, sharing the challenges and surprises that come with caring for aging parents, navigating wills and inheritance in b…
334: That Family Law Guy - Daniel Ryan - Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:06
Discover the complexities and real-life challenges of stepfamilies navigating Family Court, with heart and humor! In this episode, Lori continues her chat with UK attorney, Daniel Ryan, for an honest, insightful conversa…
333: That Family Law Guy - Daniel Ryan - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:21
Discover what really happens behind the scenes in UK family law! In this eye-opening episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with Daniel Ryan, a seasoned family law attorney from the UK, to talk candidly about…
332: It's Not Always Intentional [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:59
Stepfamilies: Why do we feel so differently about stepkids versus our own? In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David get real about the honest, sometimes awkward truths of parenting in blended famil…
331: Blended: Between Two Homes ~ Summer Butler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:48
In this episode, host Lori Sims welcomes returning guest Summer Butler to discuss her newly released resource, "Blended: Navigating Life Between Two Homes." Aimed primarily at preteens but helpful for children as young a…
330: Is It My Problem Or My Responsibility? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:28
In Episode NKP330 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David Sims dive deep into some common misconceptions about the Nacho Kids philosophy. They clarify the true mantra: "Nacho Kids, Nacho Responsibility," highlighting t…