Author Archives

  • CSPN 529 Plan Investor Survey

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    • The College Savings Plans Network—the national non-profit association and the leading, objective source of information about Section 529 College Savings Plans and Prepaid Tuition Plans—is collecting information from 529 investors in each state to learn more about the habits of people who are saving for college. This will help us better understand investors’ patterns. No individual’s specific data will be shared – we are only looking for overall numbers and trends. Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey here

  • Summer Reading: An Important Investment For College

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    By Michael Parker
    Executive Director, Oregon 529 College Savings Network
    August 1, 2013

    When the school year ends and summer arrives, it’s human nature to think about “shutting it down” a little and relax over the break. As parents, the constant hum of activity makes way for those lazier days. But those lazy days could result in complacency, especially as it relates to education and reading.

  • This Fourth of July, Focus on the Freedom to Save

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    By Jodi Golden
    Director of the Indiana Education Savings Authority
    July 3, 2013

    Getting ready for a patriotic BBQ? Ribs, chicken, burgers … formula, strained carrots, rice cereal? …It seems that no matter what the occasion, your new bundle of joy comes with a wide range of expenses. However, although diapers and food are obviously necessary, saving for college should also be high on the priority list. With college sometimes 18 years or more away, families may not realize the impact saving early could have. However, if they take a look at the reality of saving, even just a little per month, versus borrowing that amount in the future, it’s sure to open their eyes to the importance of saving now.

  • Student Loan Interest Rate’s Looming Rise and the Growing Need to Save for College

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    By Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald
    State Treasurer, State of Iowa
    June 27, 2013

    Recent Congressional action seems to indicate that the Senate will be unable to reach a compromise that will keep student loan interest rates from doubling before the July 1 deadline. “If I were a betting person, I’d say that’s something we’ll come back and attempt to fix retroactively,” Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., told ABC News.

  • Can I Really Go to College?

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    By Mary Anne Busse
    Managing Director, Great Disclosure LLC
    June 20, 2013

    I know one young student, let’s call him Sam, who wants to attend college but he just hasn’t focused enough on his grades. Smart kid, but hasn’t applied himself. Now that he’s about to be a senior in high school he’s realized that he needs to step it up. He even thinks it may be too late. I also hear many students say that college won’t work for them because they don’t know what they want to do. Others think they have too many financial responsibilities. Still others may think college costs too much.

  • Make College Savings a Part of Your Estate Planning

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    By Lucas Minor
    Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Guaranteed Education Tuition
    June 13, 2013

    You may have heard someone say, “My grandmother left me some money for college.” It’s clear how much that grandparent valued higher education, and it shows her belief in that student’s future success. That kind of confidence is an inspiring gift with many intangible qualities.

  • 529 College Savings Day May Be Over, But Any Day Is A Great Day to Save

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    By Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald
    State Treasurer, State of Iowa
    June 5, 2013

    May 29th marked 529 College Savings Day, a day to raise awareness about the importance of saving for college with 529 plans. With over 30 states across the U.S. are celebrating 529 Day during the month of May, families across the country had the opportunity to participate in some exciting events from discount zoo admissions to 529 plan scholarships giveaways.  We at the College Savings Plans Network (CSPN) led the way with our first ever 529 Day 529 plan scholarship giveaway.  We awarded 10 different $529 scholarships to the lucky winners who “Liked” our Facebook page.  People from 42 states and the District of Columbia entered the contest and the winners represented states from Washington to Kentucky!