Author Archives

  • 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

    Money851x564
    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.

  • It’s College Savings Month!

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

    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

    students
    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.