By Lael Oldmixon, Education Trust of Alaska
Sept. 29, 2014
During the college search process, many parents and their college-ready young adults pile into the trusty family wagon and drive from school to school comparing campuses for the right fit. You know the right fit…it’s the right program of study, the perfect location, or just that magical feeling in the pit of the tummy that says this college is “THE ONE.”
By Betty Lochner
Chair of the College Savings Plans Network and director of Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
September 25, 2014
Well it’s been another eventful and all-together successful College Savings Month!
In case you missed it, throughout the month of September, eight-year-old CSPN correspondent Charlie Davenport was busy investigating the inner-workings of the 529 world in a four-part series titled “College Savings Uncovered.”
By Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer
September 23, 2014
From September 6-10, the NAST* Annual Conference was held at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. It was my first visit there and I know exactly why they call it the Grand Hotel. It is massive, impressive and unique. The weather was spectacular while we were there. Even though it may be a bit difficult to travel to the island, the entire experience is well worth the effort.
By: Betty Lochner
Chair of the College Savings Plans Network & Director of Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program
Sept. 9, 2014
Education is the key to unlocking the door to opportunity. Throughout the past several years, new research continues to provide supportive evidence that a college degree not only increases the economic earning power of both individuals and our national economy, but it is also proven to contribute to improved health, homeownership, voting rates, community volunteerism and other social benefits. While there is no doubt the cost of a college education has increased dramatically in the past two decades, Americans continue to display their growing value of a college degree by saving more of their hard-earned dollars for the future higher education expenses of their children.
By: Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald
State Treasurer, State of Iowa
September 5, 2014
As a grandparent there are few things that give me as much joy as watching my grandson, Michael, learn and discover new things. Whether we are visiting a petting zoo, reading a book or simply playing with items around the house, the amazement in his eyes at each new discovery is truly fascinating. As he continues to grow, I hope that he continues to be intrigued and amazed by each new thing he learns. As a grandparent, I want to help prepare him for any future higher-education costs he may encounter on his journey of discovery. That is why I make contributions to my College Savings Iowa 529 plan for Michael.
By Cassandra Sherrill
Marketing Coordinator, Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan
September 2, 2014
Time to kick-off your shoes, pop open a cool drink and enjoy the last days of that summer fun in the sun! That’s right – it is Labor Day! This landmark weekend not only marks back-to-school season but also the beginning of College Savings Month.
By Lisa Groen
Senior Writer, Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP)
August 28, 2014
Andres, a junior at University of Nebraska Omaha, played soccer from the time he could walk, eventually earning his way onto a soccer club’s premier team. His father shuttled him to and from games around their home state of Utah, and to summer tournaments in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada.
By Ryan Betz
Associate Director, Marketing & Communications
Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
Aug. 18, 2014
Right now, thousands of recent high school graduates across our state are gearing up to leave for college in just a few short weeks. The questions that come with leaving for college can be a bit unnerving so I thought I would share some advice and tips for surviving the first year and making the most of your time on campus.
By Bonnie Carroll
Marketing Director, Education Trust of Alaska
August 11, 2014
What would you do if your newborn tried to make this deal with you? Would you be able to find the time and funds to open a college savings account? I’m pretty sure even the most cash poor, sleep deprived parent would manage to open a 529 account if it meant a good night’s sleep. Many parents post pone saving because they feel they can’t find the time and they don’t have the funds. But the truth is, it doesn’t take much of either to get started and infancy is the best time to begin.
By Joan Marshall
Executive Director, College Savings Plans of Maryland
August 4, 2014
In running two 529 plans for our state, this time of year is always busy, yet rewarding, as we help thousands of account holders pay for qualified expenses on their beneficiaries’ college bills for the fall semester. In our office, we directly manage our 529 prepaid tuition program, so I really enjoy seeing the checks that we produce on a daily basis for thousands of students who are getting ready for college life in Maryland or across the country, many of them for the first time.