By Mary G. Morris
CEO, Virginia529
October 1, 2013
“Why should I save for college with a prepaid tuition plan? My financial advisor said I should invest in a 529 plan instead.” Many of us in the 529 world frequently hear this from families who are exploring their college savings options. Our response is always the same, “A prepaid tuition plan IS a 529 plan, and there are some important benefits to saving for college with one.”
By Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald
State Treasurer,State of Iowa
August 29, 2013
College planning may be the last thing on the minds of families already busy juggling the demands of work and home. However, with the cost of higher education rising faster than inflation, nearly every family will face the question of how to pay for it when the time comes. The answer is quite simple – start saving today. By starting early, saving regularly and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them.
By Betty Lochner
Director, Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET)
August 22, 2013
Summer is winding down. Schools are opening their doors for another year. That means it’s time to grab school supplies to make sure your kids are ready. So how do you pay for school expenses now and still plan ahead for those expenses waiting for you?
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
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.
By Lucas Minor
Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Guaranteed Education Tuition
Last week we talked about some fun ways to help mitigate the learning decline that many children experience over summer break. We’re keeping the ideas flowing this week with more fun activities to keep your child’s mind sharp! Let’s prevent those summer cobwebs from forming.
By Lucas Minor
Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Guaranteed Education Tuition
July 18, 2013
Part I
“School’s out for summer!” This magical phrase is one your child likely spends the whole school year dreaming about – three carefree months to kick back, forget homework and just be a kid.
By Joan Marshall
Executive Director, College Savings Plans of Maryland
July 12, 2013
There is no “off season” when it comes to promoting the benefits of saving for college! Those of us who manage 529 plans are passionate about meeting families wherever they are to help them learn about how important it is to save for college and how easy it is to save in a 529 plan.
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.
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.
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.
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.