Diverting retirement cash to a 529 plan (Video)

08/22/2011

QUESTION:
Dear Joe,

My wife and I have more than $150,000 in Roth IRA contributions in addition to another $300,000 in retirement savings. We have zero in a 529 plan or other college savings.

With our first child five years from college, we are concerned that Roth contribution withdrawals may not be a good vehicle for college tuition as the withdrawals show up as income on parent's financial aid even though they're not taxable income. This may affect ability of our child to obtain student loans.

We are considering cutting back on our 401(k) investments (both are maxed out) and saving aggressively in a 529 plan.

Thoughts?

-- Neal

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ANSWER:

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