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.
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.
By Patricia Roberts, Managing Director
AllianceBernstein L.P.
July 21, 2014
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.
By Dan Payne, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
July 14, 2014
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.
By David Lawhorn, Program Administrator
Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust (KESPT)
Kentucky Affordable Prepaid Tuition (KAPT)
July 7, 2014
I have worked at a state agency for 14 years administering our state’s 529 college savings plan, and this is a question I get all the time: Why should I save for college? I usually try to answer this basic question by pointing out the below reasons on why it’s important to save for college:
By Luke Minor, Marketing & Communications Manager
Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
June 30, 2014
As much as those of us in the 529 world wish otherwise, starting a college savings plan is not always an easy decision for families to make. The benefits of saving for college may seem obvious, and most of us know that we “should be doing it,” but connecting these thoughts to action is not always easy. To help provide a little encouragement, we’ve planned a little pep talk to help you take your college savings game to the next level. To guide our discussion, we’ll look at a few inspirational quotes from some of the most outstanding leaders in sports history. So, let’s get our game faces on and go win one for your kids!
By Stuart Ritter, CFP®
T. Rowe Price Senior Financial Planner
If you’re like 28% of American parents, you find yourself losing sleep over the thought of saving for college. This is according to a recent survey we at T. Rowe Price conducted that aimed to understand the basic financial knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of parents and their kids ages eight to 14.
By John Perdue, West Virginia State Treasurer
College Savings Plans Network Executive Board Member
As a parent, I know how proud I am to see my children reach important milestones in life, like graduations. As a state treasurer, I also know how important it is to keep planning and saving for my children’s next milestone.
With the school year coming to a close, many of you may be experiencing this sense of pride and excitement as your little one graduates from pre-school, high school or college. With graduation comes parties and celebrations, and from there, summer fun takes center stage.
By Kathleen McGrath
Director, PA 529 College Savings Program
June 9, 2014
My “baby” just graduated from college. The last of three. It is bittersweet. Bitter in that she is all grown-up – I can’t deny it anymore. Sweet, in that there are no more college bills to pay!
By Robin Lott
Executive Director, Michigan Education Trust
June 2, 2014
Summer is finally here and it’s graduation time once again! Families are busy preparing to honor students and to celebrate many facets of milestone graduates. Pre-school children are being recognized for graduating to kindergarten. Elementary and middle school students are graduating to the next level and high school seniors are on their way to college. Many families are also thinking, “Wow, where did the time go?” Now is a good time to conduct a mid-year review of your college savings strategy. Gifts into your 529 prepaid or investment plan can further reduce future college debt.