The Scholar Budget - Helping Students Navigate Finances & Earn a Debt-Free Degree
Do you feel overwhelmed by the intricate world of paying for college and finances? Are you wondering if it’s really possible to graduate from college with a debt-free degree? Do you want to take advantage of opportunities like paid internships and fellowships, but you’re not sure where to find them? This podcast is your dedicated guide to unraveling the complexities around money, paying for college, and snagging every opportunity with your name on it. Hi There, I’m Rockell Bartoli, scholarship coach, speaker, and author. I’m excited to share about all the money choices, opportunities, and scholarships you can start taking advantage of now. You’re in the right place to learn how to: -Grow your money -Earn a degree with little to no student loan debt -Claim every educational, extracurricular, and personal growth opportunity -Be inspired to turn your dreams into a reality Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves. Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com Learn: www.scholarbudget.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/
Episodes

Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Hello There!
This is one of those episodes that can save you time, money, and disappointment. Using AI tools like ChatGPT for scholarship essays is not recommended. Scholarship organizations are looking for authentic and honest stories from students, which AI cannot provide. Relying on AI tools can lead to negative consequences, such as being caught for plagiarism. Instead, listen to find out what you can do to start securing scholarships and earn a debt-free degree.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.
Love Rocky!
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/

Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Hi Friends!
Happy Financial Literacy Month!
Let's talk with Eric Smith, a financial literacy coach who shares his journey from being a banker to teaching money management skills to NFL players, NBA players, college athletes, and other groups. He emphasizes the importance of cash flow management as the first step to financial success and cautions against borrowing more than necessary for college expenses. Eric makes financial literacy engaging and fun by focusing on the audience, using humor, and incorporating interactive activities. He shares memorable experiences, such as being the first to do a financial book club with NFL rookies and providing free credit counseling to mothers in distress. Eric's goal is to empower individuals to take control of their finances and improve their lives.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.
Love Rocky!
Connect with Eric: https://thefinancialliteracycoach.com/
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/

Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Hello Friends!
In this episode, Shaundrea Dixon, the founder of Progressive Opportunities, Inc., shares her mission to provide pre-college resources and scholarships to low-income students and families in Florida. She aims to break the misconception that low-income students cannot afford college and provides free guidance and resources to help them access scholarships. Shaundrea emphasizes the importance of local scholarships and offers personalized support to students in their scholarship application process. She also highlights the positive impact her organization has had on students' academic growth and personal development. Listeners are encouraged to get involved with Progressive Opportunities and to never count themselves out when applying for scholarships.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.
Love Rocky!
Connect with Progressive Opportunities: https://progressiveopportunities.org/
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/

Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Hey There!
Starting early is key when it comes to applying for scholarships. Scholarships and contests are available for students from elementary school to high school. By starting early, students can develop important skills and understand the value of scholarships. Let’s cover the opportunities for elementary and middle school students, including the Doodle for Google Contest, Gloria Baron Prize for Young Heroes, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program, and DoSomething.org. Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.
Love Rocky!
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/

Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Hello Friends!
Listen as Kay Thomson, the Executive Director of the British American Foundation of Texas (BAFTX), discusses the organization's mission to offer scholarships and programming to underserved scholars in Texas. We discuss the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the impact of scholarships on students' lives. Kay also provides tips for scholarship applications and encourages students and families to never give up on pursuing education.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.
Love Rocky!
Next steps :
Connect: https://baftx.org/ & https://www.instagram.com/baftx/
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/

Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Hello Friends,
Rachel Labi, a finance student at Purdue University, shares her strategies for winning over $60,000 in scholarships. She emphasizes the importance of finding scholarships through personal research and leveraging personal affiliations and identities. Rachel advises students to be good storytellers and to highlight their unique experiences and passions in their scholarship applications. She encourages students to overcome challenges and view them as opportunities.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.
Love Rocky!
Next steps :
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/

Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Hi There!
Pam Kirtman, the mother of Rebecca Kirtman, discusses Becca's Closet, a non-profit organization that provides dresses and scholarships to high school students in need. We cover the mission of Becca's Closet, its impact on girls, and the criteria for awarding scholarships. Pam shares the inspiration behind Rebecca's project and the importance of continuing her legacy. She also highlights the need for dresses and encourages listeners to get involved with Becca's Closet through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.
Love Rocky!
Next steps :
Connect: https://www.beccascloset.org/ & https://www.instagram.com/beccascloset/
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/

Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Hello There!
In this conversation, Tiffany Green, the founder and CEO of Uprooted Academy, shares valuable insights and advice on college selection, saving money on college expenses, and the benefits of community college. She emphasizes the importance of considering a college's fit with a student's goals, values, and finances. Tiffany also discusses the tools and resources provided by Uprooted Academy to help students and families understand and plan for the costs associated with higher education. Overall, Tiffany encourages students and parents to embrace risk-taking and build emotional resilience in the college planning process.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.
Love Rocky!
Next steps :
Connect: https://www.uprootedacademy.org/ & https://www.instagram.com/theuprootedacademy/
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/

Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
In this conversation, Esron Holder shares his college journey and how he secured multiple scholarships to fund his education. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, sacrifices, and networking in achieving a debt-free degree. Esron provides valuable advice for students, including reaching out to admissions counselors, applying for scholarships, and being yourself in college. He also highlights the significance of building relationships with professors and seeking help when needed.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.
Love Rocky!
Next steps :
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/

Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Hey There!
Many students do not take action towards the scholarship process due to various reasons such as a busy schedule, lack of confidence, difficulty finding scholarships, and self-doubt. However, it is essential to push through these obstacles to secure scholarship money for college expenses. By overcoming self-doubt and seeking support, students can start applying for scholarships. Steps to begin the application process include creating a list of scholarships, choosing one to apply for, and asking for help when needed. It is crucial to push through the excuses and take action to receive scholarship funds and pursue educational dreams.
Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree and make smart money moves.
Love Rocky!
Next steps :
Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com
Learn: www.scholarbudget.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/


