By Mary Anne Busse
Managing Director, Great Disclosure LLC
Nov. 11, 2014
With the celebration of Veterans Day this November 11, I think of the countless thousands who fought and died for our freedom – from the bloody battles of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War to the War on Terror today, one thing remains the same – the unwavering courage and strength of those who fought bravely and selflessly for the freedom of so many.
By Paul Curley, CFA
Director of College Savings Research, Strategic Insight
November 10, 2014
On November 14, the inaugural CSPN Prepaid Tuition Conference 2014 will be held at the Innevation Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Leveraging the technology within the space, Live Stream of the event will also be available.
By Ashley Murdie
Communications and Financial Literacy Director
Kansas State Treasurer’s Office
October 27, 2014
Halloween is just around the corner, and while the fear of things that creep and crawl through the night may spook others, it’s 529 myths that truly have me worried. All too often, I’ve heard the same myths regarding 529 plans used as reasons by parents for not opening an account.
It costs too much to start a 529 account.
My child will have to attend an in-state school.
I’ll lose the money if my child doesn’t go to college
Knowing that these 529 myths and others still continue to deter families from using such a valuable resource is alarming, which is why I’ve made it a personal goal of mine to squash these pesky things. I’ve compiled a list of menacing myths below that I plan to debunk in hopes that parents no longer fear the use of 529 accounts in their efforts to save for their child’s education.
By Kevin Thompson
Executive Director, Florida Prepaid College Board
October 20, 2014
Halloween is looming, and families across the country are investing in new costumes for their young superheroes, princesses and vampires. As scary as the tab for those Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat candy can be, it’s not nearly as jarring as the price tag might be on their college education.
By Jodi Golden
Executive Director, Indiana Education Savings Authority<
October 13, 2014
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.
By Lauren Shipley
Public relations and marketing manager, College Savings Plans of Maryland
October 6, 2014
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?!
By Betty Lochner
Chair of the College Savings Plans Network and director of Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
September 25, 2014
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.”
By Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer
September 23, 2014
From 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.
By: Betty Lochner
Chair of the College Savings Plans Network & Director of Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program
Sept. 9, 2014
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.
By: Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald
State Treasurer, State of Iowa
September 5, 2014
As 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.
By Cassandra Sherrill
Marketing Coordinator, Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan
September 2, 2014
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.
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.