Articles

Protect your 529 plan against major life events

Posted: 2010-10-08. By: Erin Peterson

To help mitigate the effects of a major life change on your 529 plan, consider making these tweaks to your financial life.

5 blunders by first-time 529 plan spenders

Posted: 2010-10-01. By: Lori Johnston

When using 529 monies for the first time, you'll want to avoid these common blunders, some of which could affect your taxes.

Make up for lost savings in your 529 plan

Posted: 2010-09-24. By: Christina Couch

For parents who need to make up years of savings fast, here are four last-minute places to find cash for your 529 plan.

Best 529 plan strategy? Use other people's money

Posted: 2010-09-10. By: Erin Peterson

Here are five strategies to get a little extra cash for your kid's 529 plans without denting your own bank account.

4 factors when tapping a 529 plan in retirement

Posted: 2010-09-03. By: Amy E. Buttell

f you're thinking about going back to school when you retire and are interested in funding a 529 plan, here are some factors to consider.

Match play: Some states kick in 529 plan dollars

Posted: 2010-08-13. By: Christina Couch

Matching-grant programs chip in money for every college dollar that plan holders contribute up to a certain benchmark in our 529 plan. Here's how to get your hands on the free loot.

Taking baby steps toward a 529 plan

Posted: 2010-07-30. By: Lori Johnston

An early 529 plan can solve the dilemma some parents face about what age to start saving for college because they're deciding from birth to set aside money that will be used 18 years down the road.

Converting to a 529 from a Coverdell: pros and cons

Posted: 2010-07-23. By: Amy E. Buttell

Coming changes in 2011 to Coverdell accounts may render them less useful, so now may be a good time to consider converting your Coverdell Plan to a 529 Plan,

How to make sure divorce doesn't disrupt a 529 plan

Posted: 2010-07-16. By: Erin Peterson

Without careful planning, an ex-spouse could potentially drain a 529 account, leaving your child with fewer options for his or her college education.

3 safe and secure 529 plan investment options

Posted: 2010-07-02. By: Erin Peterson

Guaranteed options and stable value offerings can provide substantial security for your savings, but don't expect big returns from these choices. Here's what you need to know about your options so that you can make an informed decision for your 529 plan.

Quirky scholarships just as good as traditional

Posted: 2010-06-25. By: Michael Estrin

Although college scholarships that aren't based on need or academics may make up only 2 percent of the total dollars out there, many experts say they are a good way for students to fill in the gaps to cover books, meals and other expenses.

New 5-Cap Ratings just released

Posted: 2009-09-24.

In a continuing effort to give parents, students and other college savers the information they need to make their college dreams financially possible, Savingforcollege.com has just released updated (September 2009) 5-Cap Ratings on 529 plans across the country.

Saving estate taxes with a 529

Posted: 2008-10-06. By: Joseph Hurley

To be eligible for the gift-tax annual exclusion, the gift must be irrevocable, and it must be made without any strings attached (except for what your attorney may be able to craft through a trust or family partnership). What's yours now no longer belongs to you, and that can be a tough pill to swallow. Unless, of course, we're talking about a 529 plan.