December 2012

Monthly Archives

  • Give the Gift of College this Holiday Season:

    By Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald
    State Treasurer, State of Iowa
    December 30, 2012

    The New Year is just around the corner, which means it is a great time to start thinking about saving for your child’s future education. Rather than having friends and family purchase toys that will soon be forgotten or broken, invite them to give one of the most meaningful gifts a child may ever receive – help toward paying for a college education.

  • Thoughts on Participation in 529 Plans

    By Mary Morris
    Virginia529
    December 18, 2012

    Last week, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report about participation in 529 plans across the country. We appreciate the focus on 529 plans and attempts by the GAO to understand the industry by talking to 529 sponsors and partners. The Report contains some interesting findings and food for thought. But, there also are data points in the Report that merit additional context and attention.

  • Holiday Savings?

    By Mary Anne Busse
    Managing Director, Great Disclosure LLC
    December 7, 2012

    During this season of spend, spend, spend, why don’t you focus on a crazy alternative – save, save, save? I know this is advice I could benefit from. Sometimes the focus on my daughter this time of year turns to obsession and I feel like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Jingle All the Way, desperate to get this year’s hottest toy. My 4 year old changes her letter to Santa every day. So, why do I race from store to store to get that thing she says she desperately needs when she’ll forget about it tomorrow?