College

  • It’s College Savings Month!

    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.

  • Tips for Surviving the First Year of College

    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.

  • Sleep Better When You Have a Plan

    By Bonnie Carroll
    Marketing Director, Education Trust of Alaska
    August 11, 2014

    sleep
    What would you do if your newborn tried to make this deal with you? Would you be able to find the time and funds to open a college savings account? I’m pretty sure even the most cash poor, sleep deprived parent would manage to open a 529 account if it meant a good night’s sleep.  Many parents post pone saving because they feel they can’t find the time and they don’t have the funds.  But the truth is, it doesn’t take much of either to get started and infancy is the best time to begin.

  • Why Save for College?

    By David Lawhorn, Program Administrator
    Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust (KESPT)
    Kentucky Affordable Prepaid Tuition (KAPT)
    July 7, 2014

    I have worked at a state agency for 14 years administering our state’s 529 college savings plan, and this is a question I get all the time: Why should I save for college? I usually try to answer this basic question by pointing out the below reasons on why it’s important to save for college:

  • A College Savings Pep Talk

    By Luke Minor, Marketing & Communications Manager

    Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
    June 30, 2014woman with megaphone

    As much as those of us in the 529 world wish otherwise, starting a college savings plan is not always an easy decision for families to make. The benefits of saving for college may seem obvious, and most of us know that we “should be doing it,” but connecting these thoughts to action is not always easy. To help provide a little encouragement, we’ve planned a little pep talk to help you take your college savings game to the next level. To guide our discussion, we’ll look at a few inspirational quotes from some of the most outstanding leaders in sports history. So, let’s get our game faces on and go win one for your kids!

  • Class of 2014

    By Kathleen McGrath
    Director, PA 529 College Savings Program
    June 9, 2014
    college grads
    My “baby” just graduated from college. The last of three. It is bittersweet. Bitter in that she is all grown-up – I can’t deny it anymore.  Sweet, in that there are no more college bills to pay!

  • College Savings Plans: It’s Never Too Late to Start

    By Robin Lott
    Executive Director, Michigan Education Trust
    June 2, 2014

    college grads

    Summer is finally here and it’s graduation time once again!  Families are busy preparing to honor students and to celebrate many facets of milestone graduates.  Pre-school children are being recognized for graduating to kindergarten.  Elementary and middle school students are graduating to the next level and high school seniors are on their way to college.  Many families are also thinking, “Wow, where did the time go?”  Now is a good time to conduct a mid-year review of your college savings strategy.  Gifts into your 529 prepaid or investment plan can further reduce future college debt.

  • Work Hard. Stay Humble. Dream Big

    By Ryan Betz
    Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
    Washington Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
    May 19, 2014

    Capitol in the springtime

    I return from an incredible week in Orlando attending the National Association of State Treasurers’ Treasury Management Training Symposium totally inspired by the talented professionals that lead our industry in helping American families save for their children’s college education. This event reminded me of the magnitude of our responsibility and opportunity to have a life-changing impact on millions of families for generations to come.

  • New Proposed Federal Legislation Supports Families Saving for College

    By Joan Marshall, executive director, College Savings Plans of Maryland
    April 4, 2014

    I’m excited about a new bill that was introduced last week in the House of Representatives (HR 4333) because it is designed to help those who are currently investing in 529 plans and encourage even more families to save for college with these great tax-advantaged, convenient and affordable plans. The main enhancements this bill would provide for college savers include: