College Tax Breaks Every Menopausal Mom Should Know
Part ONE
Most women manage family finances, but when menopause hits at the same time as college planning, many of us start doubting decisions we used to make confidently.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
See the shocking numbers behind college costs in 2025
Grab those hidden tax breaks most moms miss
Keep your sanity while your hormones and finances collide
WHEN MENOPAUSE COLLIDES WITH COLLEGE PLANNING
Navigating two major life transitions at once
College costs are bleeding money from family budgets. Women sit across from me, eyes wide with worry, wondering how they'll fund their children's futures while navigating their own midlife transitions. What I hear from them constantly is pure financial anxiety.
This is part one of our college money series. Just for us menopausal mamas.
In this first article, we explain college costs and tax breaks you should know about. The second piece dives into saving strategies like 529 plans. Our final article explains student loans options. Each article gives you practical tips for your situation as a mom in menopause who wants to help pay for your child's college dreams.
When menopause collides with college planning, it hits differently. But hear me when I say this: this challenging intersection also presents unique opportunities. With the right strategy, you can navigate both without losing your mind or emptying your pockets. The key is approaching these challenges with tools that address both your changing body and your financial goals.
THE REAL COST OF COLLEGE
The price tag that keeps on growing
Here's what college really costs this year:
$11,610 at public four-year colleges (in-state)
$43,350 at private nonprofit institutions
And let that sink in - if you've got a baby today, those numbers will explode to about $46,394 for public and $173,227 for private colleges in 18 years.
Feeling light-headed? That's not just your hormones talking.
TAX BREAKS THAT PUT MONEY BACK IN YOUR POCKET
Uncle Sam actually wants to help
Make no mistake - the government offers some serious money moves (also known as educational credits) that can help you manage college costs. Tax breaks cut your taxes dollar for dollar.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
This is your most powerful tax tool for college costs. Here's what makes it special:
Get $1 back for each $1 of your first $2,000 spent on college
The next $2,000 gives you another $500
Most you can get: Up to $2,500 per student each year
Best part? Even if you don't owe taxes, you could get up to $1,000 back
Use this for your child's first four years of college
Lifetime Learning Credit
This one's more flexible than leather in the summer. You can use it for any year of college, even if your child takes a break or goes part-time.
Get back 20% of up to $10,000 in educational expenses (up to $2,000)
No limit on how many years you can use it
Works for part-time students, grad school, or when AOTC runs out
Can be used for any family member - even yourself
You hear what I'm saying? These aren't just nice-to-haves. They're essential tools for getting your paper right while juggling hormone changes.
YOU CAN DO BOTH
Because clarity is power
Now listen here - hormone changes come and go, but your college funding choices will impact your family for years. I'm just saying, you CAN make solid decisions even when you feel like your body and brain are on different planets. Take small steps, and know that you can make good and confident choices even on tough days.
You're not walking this path alone.
I need three women who will:
Share their biggest college funding concern
Ask the questions you've been afraid to voice
Connect with others who truly understand this journey