Author Archives

  • 2013 NAST Annual Conference

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    By Betty Lochner
    Executive Director, Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition program
    October 15, 2013

    Last week I attended the National Association of State Treasurers’ (NAST) annual conference in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. This event brings together state treasury departments from across the nation to discuss public finance issues, share policy ideas and elect new NAST officers for the upcoming year. For me, the conference was a valuable and informative three days of networking and gaining more insight into the complex financial issues throughout our nation and how those issues are affecting individual states and 529 plans.

  • The Truth about Prepaid Tuition Plans

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    By Mary G. Morris
    CEO, Virginia529
    October 1, 2013

    “Why should I save for college with a prepaid tuition plan? My financial advisor said I should invest in a 529 plan instead.” Many of us in the 529 world frequently hear this from families who are exploring their college savings options. Our response is always the same, “A prepaid tuition plan IS a 529 plan, and there are some important benefits to saving for college with one.”

  • Aspirational Value of College Savings

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    By Patricia Roberts
    Managing Director & Senior 529 Product Manager, AllianceBernstein L.P.
    September 26, 2013

    Back to school season is a gentle reminder that the children in our lives are one year closer to college. Whether you’ve just recently walked hand in hand with your toddler into the first day of preschool, waved as your little one boarded a school bus for the very first time or offered an encouraging high five as an older child more independently headed off to middle school, there’s no time like now to develop a plan for what lies ahead. With a blink of an eye, not only will the children in your life have grown, but what they envision for their future will likely have evolved as well.

  • Tips # 24 & 25

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    September 25, 2013 Tip # 24: Increase the chances of attending collegeOpening a 529 account will increase your chances of attending college. According to research, students who have a college […]

  • Tips # 21-23

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    September 24, 2013 Tip #21 Open an online 529 accountAlthough it may seem like an insurmountable task, opening an online account is quick and painless, taking up about ten minutes […]

  • Tips # 18-20

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    September 23, 2013Tip # 18: Saving is a better option than student loansThe average student loan debt is more than $27,000. Though low-interest loans are often available for college financing, […]

  • Families continue to use 529 Plans to Save for Higher Education

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    By Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald>State Treasurer, State of Iowa
    September 18, 2013

    Data collected as part of our 2013 Mid-Year 529 Report indicates that families are increasingly using 529 plans to pay for their children’s college education. 529 plan assets reached record amounts as of June 30, 2013 with more than $205 billion invested nationally. This is a 7.98% increase during the first half of 2013.