Author Archives

  • Celebrate Grandparent’s Day, Sunday September 7th

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    By: Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald
    State Treasurer, State of Iowa
    September 5, 2014

    Treasurer FitzgeraldAs 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.

  • It’s College Savings Month!

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    By Cassandra Sherrill
    Marketing Coordinator, Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan
    September 2, 2014
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    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.

  • Don’t Let Scholarship Prospects Derail 529 Savings

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    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.

  • Tips for Surviving the First Year of College

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    By Ryan Betz
    Associate Director, Marketing & Communications
    Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
    Aug. 18, 2014

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    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.

  • Sleep Better When You Have a Plan

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    By Bonnie Carroll
    Marketing Director, Education Trust of Alaska
    August 11, 2014

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    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.

  • Reaping the Rewards of Saving in a 529 Plan

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    By Joan Marshall
    Executive Director, College Savings Plans of Maryland

    August 4, 2014

    collegemoney

    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.

  • How do You Decide When to Use the Money in Your 529 Plan?

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    This spring, we talked to hundreds of college-bound seniors and their families about getting ready to pay for college.  So many families have found that they didn’t receive as much financial aid as they had been hoping for, and many are now wishing that they had started saving sooner and saved more.  And many of those families who do have savings set aside are uncertain about how and when to use their savings for college costs.

  • Are You a 529 Newbie? 3 Free CSPN Resources to Help You Find the Right Plan

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    By Terry Crockett
    Marketing Analyst, Virginia529 College Savings Plan
    July 28, 2014

    Finding the right college savings plan can often be tricky.  Does your state offer tax advantages to residents? What about a prepaid tuition plan? We won’t even get started on advisor sold plans vs. direct sold plans. Let’s face it–the average consumer just doesn’t have the industry knowledge to make a well informed decision when opening a 529 account.

  • Summer Enrichment: Money Matters provide Teachable Moments

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    By Patricia Roberts, Managing Director
    AllianceBernstein L.P.
    July 21, 2014

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    The welcomed and relaxed pace of summer provides a unique opportunity for us to catch our breath and address issues (big and small) that have been pushed to the side during the hustle and bustle of the school year. Even more importantly, with a bit less on our collective plates, the summer season also presents the opportunity to connect in meaningful ways with our families and particularly, with the children in our lives.

  • School’s out for Summer! What’s on Your Horizon?

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    By Dan Payne, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
    Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
    July 14, 2014

    Summer Fun
    Summer’s finally here, and today in the northwest, it actually feels like it. As I’m writing, the forecast for the day is a scorching 92 degrees… in Washington State! With more than a handful of beautiful days behind us already, this summer seems to be shaping up nicely.