Top college savings stories of 2016

http://www.savingforcollege.com/articles/top-college-savings-stories-of-2016-1010

2016 was another big year for the college savings industry. Between the presidential election and new FAFSA rules coming into effect, there’s been a lot of news to share with our readers. Here’s a quick recap of 10 of the most-read stories on Savingforcollege.com.

#10 The truth about scholarships and 529 plans

This article explains what will happen to the funds you’ve saved in a 529 plan if your child gets a scholarship. Spoiler alert: You won’t lose all of the money.

#9 Avoid these 529 withdrawal traps

If you’ve been saving diligently in a 529 plan, the last thing you want to do is end up paying taxes when it’s time to withdraw. Learn how to avoid some of the most common mistakes to keep your savings intact.

#8 5 year-end tax tips for college savers

The 2016 tax season is just around the corner. Here are some tips on how families can maximize the benefits of their 529 plans.

#7 8 common 529 plan mistakes to avoid

529 plans can be a great way to save for college, but in order to take full advantage of the benefits they offer you have to follow certain rules. This slideshow highlights some common mistakes made by families and how to avoid them.

#6 How 7 different assets affect financial aid eligibility

Parents and grandparents often wonder if the money they’ve set aside for college could hurt the child’s chances of getting financial aid. Hint: It could, but it depends on where you save it.

#5 10 financial aid myths: What you don’t know can cost you

Many families need help paying for college, but they're confused about how the financial aid process works and end up leaving money on the table. Learn why it’s important for all students to complete the FAFSA, regardless of their household income.

#4 The biggest college planning mistake parents make

A college planning expert offers advice to help families develop parameters to "buying" a college education. Learn about how much debt to take on, the value of your degree and whether or not you can afford a particular school.

#3 5 education changes we might see under President Trump

President-Elect Donald Trump took a strong stance on issues like immigration and foreign trade policy during his campaign, but he didn't say much about education. However, over the last few months he's given us an idea about where he stands.

#2 Best 529 plans for 2016

Ever wonder how your 529 plan stacks up against the competition? In addition to Savingforcollege.com’s performance rankings you can also check Morningstar’s annual plan ratings.

#1 What the new FASFA rules mean for you

What once used to be a major headache for college students and their families, the FAFSA has undergone some major changes for the 2017-18 school year that should help ease some of the pain. Here are five important things to know about the updates.