Meet Our Coaches

Why The College Funding Coach?

As a father of twin sons attending Auburn University, I have experienced firsthand just how challenging it can be to navigate the process of planning and paying for college. With the cost of higher education continuing to place significant pressure on families, I believe helping children pursue their educational goals should not have to come at the expense of their parents’ retirement.

For approximately 30 years, I have worked with individuals and families to help them prepare for their financial futures. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to continuing my own financial education so I can provide families with the knowledge and guidance they need to make informed decisions.

The College Funding Coach® allows me to bring together my professional experience and my personal experience as a parent. My goal is to help families better understand their options, prepare for the cost of college, and develop strategies that support their children’s education while protecting their own retirement goals.

Area of Focus for Delivering LKS Workshops

Alabama, Georgia, and Florida

Public and private schools and organizations serving families preparing for college

A Little More About Ron

Background

Ron has approximately 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping individuals and families prepare for major financial milestones, including retirement and the cost of higher education.

A strong believer in continued learning, Ron has consistently pursued financial education throughout his career to expand his knowledge and better serve the families who rely on his guidance. His approach focuses on helping families understand how today’s financial decisions can affect their long-term goals and creating strategies designed to balance competing priorities.

Professional Accomplishments

• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
• Past member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)
• Former board member of the Birmingham Estate Planning Council
• Approximately 30 years of financial services experience
• Has helped families implement planning strategies designed to provide financial protection for surviving spouses

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Auburn University, 1995
• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), The American College
• Series 6, 7, 63, and 65

Community Involvement

Ron has a long history of volunteering and community service. He previously served as a Scout leader and has volunteered with Grace Klein Community, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the Walk to Defeat ALS, Susan G. Komen events, and St. Jude walk/run events.

A lifelong Auburn supporter, Ron is also a former board member of the Birmingham Auburn Club and a member of the Auburn Alumni Association.

When He’s Not Working

Born and raised in Birmingham, Ron has called Mountain Brook home for the past 25 years. Family plays an important role in his life, including supporting his twin sons as they attend Auburn University.

Outside of work, Ron enjoys hiking, riding motorcycles, skeet shooting, spending time with family and friends, and watching and attending college sporting events.

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Insurance Representative of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual),

Registered Representative of and securities offered through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC and a MassMutual subsidiary.
Springfield, MA 01111-0001, and its affiliated U.S. insurance companies. Local sales agencies are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies.

Licensing:
Life & Health and Securities: Alabama, Georgia, and Florida

FINRA BrokerCheck Profile:
View Ron’s FINRA BrokerCheck Profile

The College Funding Coach® is not affiliated with MML Investors Services, LLC or Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual).

Speaker Introduction

Ron Opolka, CLU, brings approximately 30 years of financial services experience to his work helping families prepare for some of life’s most important financial milestones. A graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Finance, Ron has dedicated his career to helping families plan for their futures while balancing priorities such as retirement and education.

College planning is also personal for Ron. As the father of twin sons currently attending Auburn, he understands firsthand the questions, costs, and challenges parents encounter when preparing to pay for college. That experience, combined with his decades of financial planning experience, gives Ron a valuable perspective as he helps families better understand their options.

A lifelong Birmingham native and active member of his community, Ron believes education and preparation can make a meaningful difference for families.

Please join me in welcoming Ron Opolka.