Author Archives

  • Building Your College Savings Game Plan

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    By Luke Minor, Marketing & Communications Manager
    Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
    Nov. 3, 2014

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    It’s the middle of football season, and no matter whether you’re a fan or not, there are some valuable lessons that can be learned from the top caliber NFL teams when it comes to getting ahead of college expenses. Like executing a winning game plan, saving for college takes thoughtful preparation, dedication and commitment. Here are some tips to get you started:

  • Who You Gonna Call? 529 Myth Busters

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    By Ashley Murdie
    Communications and Financial Literacy Director
    Kansas State Treasurer’s Office
    October 27, 2014

    Halloween is just around the corner, and while the fear of things that creep and crawl through the night may spook others, it’s 529 myths that truly have me worried. All too often, I’ve heard the same myths regarding 529 plans used as reasons by parents for not opening an account.

    It costs too much to start a 529 account.

    My child will have to attend an in-state school.

    I’ll lose the money if my child doesn’t go to college

    Knowing that these 529 myths and others still continue to deter families from using such a valuable resource is alarming, which is why I’ve made it a personal goal of mine to squash these pesky things. I’ve compiled a list of menacing myths below that I plan to debunk in hopes that parents no longer fear the use of 529 accounts in their efforts to save for their child’s education.

  • Lower Prices: Florida Prepaid Plan

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    By Kevin Thompson
    Executive Director, Florida Prepaid College Board
    October 20, 2014

    Pumpkins

    Halloween is looming, and families across the country are investing in new costumes for their young superheroes, princesses and vampires. As scary as the tab for those Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat candy can be, it’s not nearly as jarring as the price tag might be on their college education.

  • Fall: A Season of Change

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    By Jodi Golden
    Executive Director, Indiana Education Savings Authority<
    October 13, 2014

    Couple in the Fall

    As many families across the country are entering their children’s fall break from school, it’s a great time to reflect on the first few weeks of school. While you’re enjoying the leaf piles and making s’mores around the campfire, take time to ask your kids about areas in school they are enjoying, subjects they may need an extra boost in, and the goals they have set for themselves when they return.

  • Take the Scare Out of Paying For College: Saving vs. Borrowing Can Have a Fiendish Impact!

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    By Lauren Shipley
    Public relations and marketing manager, College Savings Plans of Maryland
    October 6, 2014

    Pumpkins
    I hear one frightening theme as I travel in October: “I have been meaning to start a 529 plan for a while.”  I believe many families understand the need to save for college, but often misunderstand the true benefit of saving.

    It may sound bewitching, but each family has the power to cut their child’s future college costs in half. The power lies in saving now versus borrowing later.  To cover $25,000 in college costs, a family could put away $92 a month into a 529 plan for 15 years—a total investment of $17,000.

    1. A family choosing to borrow the $25,000 instead would have to repay roughly $35,000 (or approximately $300 a month over the next ten years)

    2. Their total debt would be double the amount spent by the family who saved. Ghoulish, right?!

  • The One: Finding and Affording Your Top Choice School

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    By Lael Oldmixon, Education Trust of Alaska
    Sept. 29, 2014
    tour experience UAF
    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.” 

  • And That’s a Wrap to College Savings Month!

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    By Betty Lochner
    Chair of the College Savings Plans Network and director of Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
    September 25, 2014
    Charlie Davenport

    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.” 

  • College Savings Discussed During NAST Annual Conference

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    By Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer
    September 23, 2014

    Grand Hotel - ariel viewwebFrom 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.

  • Americans Continue to Show Their Resolve to Save for College

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    By: Betty Lochner
    Chair of the College Savings Plans Network & Director of Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program
    Sept. 9, 2014

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    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.

  • 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.