Articles

When it comes to 529 plans, parents just don't understand

Posted: 2018-01-31. By: Kathryn Flynn

A study from Fidelity shows more parents are saving for college than ever before, but they are still confused about how 529 savings plans work. By missing out on these key benefits, including federal (and sometimes state) tax savings, and favorable financial aid treatment, they could be leaving money on the table.

Case study: Could a 529 state tax deduction offset the costs of a non-qualified withdrawal?

Posted: 2018-01-18. By: Vince Sullivan

529 plan expert Vince Sullivan explains how a 529 plan can present a tax-deferred opportunity for clients, even if they aren't planning on using it for qualified education expenses. Find out if a state tax deduction could offset the costs of taxes and penalties owed after a non-qualified withdrawal.

4 times millennial parents should consider a 529 plan

Posted: 2018-01-17. By: Kathryn Flynn

Expert tips on managing money before, during and after college

Posted: 2018-01-15. By: Sam Renick

Personal finance expert Sam Renick interviews Christine Benz, director of personal finance at Morningstar. Ms. Benz offers advice for parents and students on the best ways to manage money before, during and after college. She discusses balancing financial goals, college return on investment and saving for college with a 529 plan.

Don't save for retirement: When to ignore traditional college savings advice

Posted: 2018-01-15. By: Dr. Dean Skarlis, Ed.D.

As college costs continue to rise, it might be smart to divert some of your retirement savings dollars into a college savings plan. Without savings, middle-class families have few options besides taking out large student loans. Learn how you can put away money for college and without compromising your retirement.

College Financial Aid: 7 EFC Myths Debunked

Posted: 2018-01-09. By: Joe Messinger, CFP, ChFC, CLU

8 steps to start living your ideal financial life in 2018

Posted: 2018-01-09. By: Brooke Napiwocki, CFP, MBA

Financial wellness starts by developing a healthy relationship with money and personal finance. These 8 steps will help you get your finances on track for 2018.

New tax law brings big changes to 529 plans

Posted: 2017-12-20. By: Kathryn Flynn

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes a small provision that would allow 529 plans to be used for K-12 tuition, and allow rollovers into ABLE accounts.

Final GOP tax bill expands 529 plans: Here's who will benefit

Posted: 2017-12-19. By: Kathryn Flynn

2017 one-year top performing direct plans Q3

Posted: 2017-12-08.

Savingforcollege.com ranks the one-year investment performance of direct-sold 529 plans as of September 30, 2017.

2017 three-year top performing direct plans Q3

Posted: 2017-12-08.

Savingforcollege.com ranks the three-year investment performance of direct-sold 529 plans as of September 30, 2017.

2017 five-year top performing direct plans Q3

Posted: 2017-12-08.

Savingforcollege.com ranks the five-year investment performance of direct-sold 529 plans as of September 30, 2017.

2017 ten-year top performing direct plans Q3

Posted: 2017-12-08.

Savingforcollege.com ranks the ten-year investment performance of direct-sold 529 plans as of September 30, 2017.

Case Study: Grandparents and 529 superfunding

Posted: 2017-12-05. By: Vince Sullivan, President, 529 NOW, LLC

The concept of Superfunding refers to using the 5-year election to frontload a 529 plan gift. Learn how this strategy can help grandparents reduce their estate tax exposure.

College savings: The gift parents want, but won't ask for

Posted: 2017-11-29. By: Kathryn Flynn

If you're looking to boost college savings, asking for 529 gifts should be a no-brainer. Here are some tips on how to bring up the topic with friends and family.

10 Things You Need to Know About College Net Price Calculators

Posted: 2017-11-22. By: Lynn O'Shaughnessy

What your education tax benefits may look like in 2018

Posted: 2017-11-15. By: Kathryn Flynn

The IRS recently announced federal tax updates for 2018, which would affect some education related benefits. Find out how these changes could affect your college savings.

Credit freezes and financial aid

Posted: 2017-11-07. By: Shannon Vasconcelos, Director of College Finance, College Coach

In the wake of the recent Equifax security breach, many people have taken the prudent step of freezing their credit. Learn how this could affect the financial aid process.

GOP bill would eliminate Coverdell ESAs and make 529s more flexible

Posted: 2017-11-02. By: Kathryn Flynn

Learn how proposals included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could change 529 plans and Coverdell ESAs, and how it might affect your college savings strategy.

Check out Morningstar's best 529 plans, but don't stop there

Posted: 2017-10-27. By: Kathryn Flynn

Whether you're looking to open your first 529 plan or just checking up on a current investment, you want to make sure you're using the most reliable source of information.