Children learn about money and making choices from the adults in their lives, and it’s never too early (or too late) to begin the lessons. There are many ways to make those lessons, and the learning that will happen along the way, fun for everyone. Use games and stories. Many games and books are designed […]
In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on Jan. 15 and the national holiday on Jan. 17, I was inspired to write about a personal dream that I have had that originated almost 30 years ago when my first child was born. Like many parents, my dream was to provide the best life […]
By Rachel Biar, CSPN Chair, Assistant State Treasurer, Nebraska For me, the beginning of a new year is a chance to look back and reset. Those of us who practice the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions typically promise to do something to improve ourselves or perform more acts of kindness for others as the […]
By Lael Oldmixon, Executive Director, Alaska 529 Dec 21, 2021 “Hello darkness, my old friend!” This famous Simon and Garfunkel song lyric is quoted in posts on the news feeds of many Alaskans who, having enjoyed the endless hours of summer daylight, greet the coming balance of dark winter nights with appreciation and joy. Though we […]
By Stan Zeto, Deputy Executive Director, ScholarShare Investment Board November 30, 2021 With the fall season comes a time when many high school seniors begin to apply to their desired colleges. This is a monumental time for students to embark on a special and pivotal step in their higher education journey. Although I do not […]
By Luke Minor, Director, Washington State’s College Savings Plans (WA529) November 23, 2021 The last two years have been, to say the least, surreal. And while in times like these it can be incredibly hard to look for the good, it’s vitally important. As we close the book on another year, I am feeling weary from […]
Give A Gift of Education Instead By Patricia Roberts, Author & Chief Operating Officer, Gift of College Inc. November 16, 2021 With supply chain concerns, retailer staffing shortages, increased prices, and shipping delays on the horizon, shopping for the upcoming holiday season may be more challenging and less joyful than in prior years. Rather than being […]
Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. You notice that Veterans is spelled without an apostrophe because the day does not belong to Veterans but rather is a day for honoring all Veterans. Nineteen million or less than 1% of the United States’ population are Veterans. Two million men and women currently are actively serving in U.S. […]
By: South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, Administrator of Future Scholar College Savings Plan November 2, 2021 From the moment a new baby enters the world, families dream of the successful life their new addition will have. One of the best ways they can help achieve that success is to fund the child’s higher education by contributing […]
Just yesterday, you were cradling your sweet baby, and today, here you are with a ninth-grader quickly approaching college entry. Cue your best Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ impersonation as you grapple with the idea of financing your little one’s educational pursuits. Whether you are still in the early days of parenting or you’ve recently experienced […]
By Tim Gorrell, Executive Director, Ohio Tuition Trust Authority October 19, 2021 I’m often asked, “When is the best time to start saving for college?” My answer is always, “When your child is born. The next best time? Today.” If it’s difficult to find extra funds to save for a higher education when you first bring […]
529 Plans Are More Flexible, and More Popular, Than Ever Before By Michael Frerichs, Treasurer of the State of Illinois and Chair of the College Savings Plans Network October 12, 2021 In 1996, Congress passed bipartisan legislation to help families save for the rising costs of college education through a tax-preferred savings vehicle called a 529 […]