CSPN News

  • De-mystifying 529 Prepaid Programs

    By Mary G. Morris,
    CEO, Virginia529
    May 5, 2014

    Prepaid blog

    After deciding on a 529 plan for their college savings, one of the first questions asked by many families is “savings plan or prepaid tuition plan?” (For a basic overview of the two, read “What is a 529 Plan?” on this website.) While savings programs are relatively straightforward, prepaid tuition programs suffer from many misconceptions, perpetuated by people who don’t fully understand their benefits.

    The 13 prepaid tuition programs available in the U.S. offer customers a hedge against future tuition inflation that can’t be realized through savings programs.

  • Believe it or Not, Your Kids are Paying Attention & Your Savings Efforts Make a Big Difference

    By Ryan Betz, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, Washington Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program
    April 8, 2014
    mortar boards
    Since I was a young boy, I was told by my parents that college would be a part of my future. It was an opportunity my parents never had and they knew how important a college education was to my future success as a person and as a professional. At an early age, my parents began saving for my higher education and they told me about the funds that were set aside to help with tuition, books and other costs. I got a part time job in high school and the dollars I earned were also set aside to help pay for school.

  • 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:

  • Financial Literacy & Consumer Focused Legislation Highlight Treasurers’ Conference

    By Betty Lochner, Chair of College Savings Plans Network
    March 24, 2014

    Capitol in the springtime

    There are two things I really enjoy in life. One is visiting our nation’s capital. The other is watching Saturday Night Live. For years, I have been a lucky person because it seems like these two things always seem to find each other in funny satire political skits. Whether it’s Will Ferrell impersonating President George W. Bush or Jay Pharoah taking on the persona of President Barack Obama, you never have to look too hard to find humor in American politics.

  • Create Your Own Pot O’ Gold this St. Patrick’s Day

    By Iowa State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald
    March 17, 2014

    Fitzgerald and Grandson

    As State Treasurer of Iowa and administrator of College Savings Iowa, I frequently have the opportunity to talk to grandparents about saving for their grandchildren’s future education costs. As a grandparent, you want to help prepare the next generation to succeed. One way to accomplish this is to start saving for those future costs. Since I am still in my first year as a grandparent, this has never been more of a reality as it is now.

  • Kids Remind Us of What’s Important: Technology Brings Us Together

    By:  Betty Lochner, Director of Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program & CSPN Chair

    Kid President

    You may or may not be aware of a young man named Robby, better known as Kid President, who has become an Internet sensation for his inspiring videos about how we can make the world a better place.  Robby reminds us of the simple truth that kids want nothing more than to leave the world better than they found it. In Robby’s most famous video titled “Pep Talk” he says, “If there are two paths, I want to be on the one that leads to awesome.”

  • Happy Presidents Day!

     

      President's Day

     

    We celebrate Presidents Day each February, and it gives us a chance to reflect on our country’s history and leaders.  There has been a long tradition of higher education support and action from White House occupants.  Almost all had higher education in their background, and many initiated or supported expanded opportunities for education and research before, during, or after their time in office.  I like historical trivia, so here are some presidential facts you may not know, along with some lesser known features of 529 college savings plans.  Pay attention—there’s a quiz at the end.

  • So what is a prepaid plan exactly?

    By Claire Whittington Director, Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) Program As parenting fears go, starting a college fund is right up there with sending your child to their first […]

  • White House Initiative – College Savings

    graduates

    January 28, 2014

    Recently, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama issued a call to action, requesting colleges and universities, foundations, businesses, non-profits, government officials, other leaders and individuals to make commitments to help assure that college becomes a reality for more young people. The objective is to help an increased number of students afford college and graduate with the skills they need to succeed. The call to action along with some of the commitments made in response to it can be viewed here: