Author Archives

  • Data Indicates More Families Saving for College

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    By the College Savings Plans Network
    March 13, 2013

    The College Savings Plans Network recently published its 2012 Year-End 529 Report and found that the total amount invested by American families in the plans has reached a record high of $190.7 billion. In 2012, total assets in the plans grew by $25.86 billion dollars, more than three times as much as the $7.43 billion increase in 2011. Additionally, the total number of accounts increased 3.7% over the past 12 months, going from 10.7 million in December 2011 to 11.1 million as of December 2012.

  • Reducing Your Out of Pocket College Costs

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    By Steve Dombrower, CFA
    Vice President, College Savings Plans
    OppenheimerFunds, Inc., Program Manager for Numerous 529 Plans
    March 7, 2013

    In my January 4th posting titled “You Can Afford College”, I talked about how with a little knowledge, planning, and the right tools, paying for college can be within reach. Specifically, we explored how savings is only one of several sources of funding you will use when the time comes to send your loved one off to college. In this entry, we will discuss how saving today can potentially reduce your overall out of pocket college costs.

  • Put Your Refund to Good Use this Spring

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    By Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald
    State Treasurer, State of Iowa
    March 1, 2013

    Still trying to figure out the best way to spend your tax refund this year? Instead of splurging it on something that will be gone before you know it, why not invest it in something that will last a lifetime, such as a loved one’s 529 college savings account. While their college years may seem a long ways off for some, the time to save for those higher education expenses is now. By starting early, saving a little at a time and making smart investment choices, families can make their 529 plans work for them and get the most out of these precious years.

  • Time is Money

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    By Lauren Shipley
    Public Relations and Marketing Manager College Savings Plans of Maryland
    February 20, 2013

    That age old saying, “time is money,” really is true—especially when it comes to saving for college. The projected costs of tuition can be shocking; but while some figures may seem unattainable, every dollar saved today could be a dollar less borrowed later. Each family has its own unique situations and goals when it comes to saving for a child’s future college education. Each State has a 529 plan that can help, regardless of how little or how much you can afford. Many offer initial monthly contribution amounts around $25 – for many families that is just one less pizza night a month.

  • Valentine’s Day is the single busiest day for florists.

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    By Betty Lochner
    Director, Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET)
    February 12, 2013

    valentine

    What if it were the single busiest day for 529 plans nationwide? What an amazing statement that would make. 529 plans make it so easy to share. While most plans are opened by parents, all it takes for grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends to contribute to an existing account is the child’s name and account number.

  • 529 Plan Uses?

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    By Mary Anne Busse
    Managing Director, Great Disclosure LLC
    February 8, 2013

    So, you want to save for college and you’re trying to figure out the right way to do it. You’ve learned about 529 Plans and want to have a better understanding of what you can use the funds in your account for. Look no further. In this post, we’ll give you the 411 on what to do with all that money in your 529 Plan account.

  • Does a 529 hurt or help when it comes to financial aid?

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    By Jodi Golden,
    Director, CollegeChoice 529 Savings Plans
    January 25, 2013

    What’s one of the most important steps you can take in preparing for college? Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is your first step in applying for over $150 billion in federal financial aid dollars. The FAFSA is an important document that requires personal and financial information. Be prepared to list everything from social security numbers of your students and parents to information on cash, bank accounts or investments the family may hold.

  • CSPN Executive Board

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    January 11, 2013
    In case you ever wondered about the leadership behind the College Savings Plans Network, here’s your opportunity to see who they are and how long they have served.The CSPN Executive Board meets monthly to conduct business on behalf of the membership.

  • You Can Afford College!!

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    By Steve Dombrower, CFA<
    Vice President, College Savings Plans
    OppenheimerFunds, Inc., Program Manager for Numerous 529 Plans
    January 4, 2013

    I’ll bet “You Can Afford College” is something you don’t hear very often. More likely than not what you’ve heard about paying for your child’s higher education includes things like continuously rising tuition inflation and adjectives like astronomical or impossible. Perhaps you’ve seen or have been presented with six figure numbers in terms of what you need to save making you feel like you just won’t be able to get there.