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When it comes to 529 plans, parents just don't understand
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.
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4 times millennial parents should consider a 529 plan
Should all young parents have 529 savings plan? Maybe not, but it might make sense if you’re in grad school, your state offers a tax deduction, you want to give a financial gift or you’re already on track for retirement.
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Expert tips on managing money before, during and after college
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.
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Don't save for retirement: When to ignore traditional college savings advice
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.
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8 steps to start living your ideal financial life in 2018
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.
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New tax law brings big changes to 529 plans
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.
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College savings: The gift parents want, but won't ask for
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.
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10 Things You Need to Know About College Net Price Calculators
With a net price calculator, you’ll discover how much a college will cost your family once any merit scholarships or financial aid is subtracted from the cost of attendance.
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What your education tax benefits may look like in 2018
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.
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Credit freezes and financial aid
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.
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GOP bill would eliminate Coverdell ESAs and make 529s more flexible
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.
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Check out Morningstar's best 529 plans, but don't stop there
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.
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College costs way more than parents think
Although more parents are saving for college than ever before, many are doing so without a realistic goal in mind. If this sounds like you, it may be time to rethink your strategy.
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The complete guide to choosing a college major
Once you’ve applied and been accepted into college, it’s time to select your major. A college admissions experts offers helpful tips for parents and students.
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10 things to do before you apply for financial aid
The FAFSA will be available October 1st for the 2018-19 school year . Learn about 10 steps to take before you apply to help maximize financial aid eligibility.
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Introducing the Pro 529 Evaluator
The Pro 529 Evaluator is a tool designed to help financial advisors confidently recommend a 529 college savings plan to their clients. Compare fees, performance, state tax benefits and more.
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Despite high student loan balances, Millennial parents are saving for college
Millennials are saving more money than other generations, even with student loan debt. But it’s what they’re saving for that’s been making recent headlines.
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2017 one-year top performing direct plans Q2
Savingforcollege.com ranks the one-year investment performance of direct-sold 529 plans as of June 30, 2017.
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2017 three-year top performing direct plans Q2
Savingforcollege.com ranks the three-year investment performance of direct-sold 529 plans as of June 30, 2017.
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2017 five-year top performing direct plans Q2
Savingforcollege.com ranks the five-year investment performance of direct-sold 529 plans as of June 30, 2017.
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2017 ten-year top performing direct plans Q2
Savingforcollege.com ranks the ten-year investment performance of direct-sold 529 plans as of June 30, 2017.
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3 takeaways for professionals from "How America Pays for College"
Professionals and advisors to college savers can benefit from the insights the study offers when promoting their services, educating clients, and growing their 529 plan businesses
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Achieving financial wellness: 7 questions to ask
Financial wellness starts by developing a healthy relationship with money and all areas of personal finance. These questions will help you gets started on your journey.
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Kids & college: Leveraging 6 milestones to generate savings
Learn about six life events that serve as trigger points for you to check in on your 529 account and use a college savings calculator to make sure you’re on track.
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4 college admission myths every applicant should know
The college admission landscape is constantly evolving. Learn about four key college admissions myths to be aware of when completing your college applications.
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These top colleges are worth the investment
Money’s 2017 list of best colleges for the price shows where to get the biggest bank for your buck. See the top 10, and how to save for them with a 529 plan.
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Just released: Latest 529 plan 5-Cap Ratings
Savingforcollege.com's latest 5-Cap Ratings are now available. These Ratings are calculated based on performance, costs, features, reliability, and a "Resident Upgrade" score as of March 31, 2017.
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Where does a college degree have the biggest impact on your income?
Where you decide to live and work after graduating from college can influence your annual earnings. This infographic gives you a state by state breakdown of the value of a degree.
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3 ways your online presence can support your college application
Social media plays an important role in college recruiting and admissions. Learn how your online presence can positively contribute to your application strategy.
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A worthy investment? America’s highest paying jobs under the microscope.
The value of a college degree will depend on a number of things, including tuition costs and starting salary after graduation. Learn which degrees offer the best value for students in 2017.
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It's never too late to start your college plan
It’s never too late to start saving for your child’s college education. Here are some tips for late stage planning strategies that won’t jeopardize your retirement.
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How to maximize the value of your college campus tour
When visiting colleges, many prospective students limit themselves to participating in only an information session and official tour, but one expert says that’s a mistake. Find out why.
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Experts say this is how much you should save for college
A college degree could cost over $200,000 one day, but that doesn't mean you’ll pay that much out of pocket. Three experts give their advice on how much to save in a 529 plan.
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What Trump's proposed budget cuts could mean for college savers
President Trump’s new budget proposal focuses on simplifying federal student loan options and financial aid. See how this could affect your college savings strategy.
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New! 529 ABLE plan detail pages
Looking for information on a specific ABLE savings plan? Our new plan details pages highlight important information on each available plan, including fees, tax benefits and investment options.
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Picking the right financial advisor for your college planning strategy – What to ask
Just like any other investment, families saving for college could benefit from the help of a financial advisor. Here are 3 things to ask before you select one.
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4 steps to help your child manage student loan repayment
College graduates often begin their careers with substantial student loan debt. Here are four ways you can help your child with a repayment strategy.
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Free college is here - But don't stop saving
Some states are beginning to offer free college tuition for residents. Here’s what you need to know, and why it’s still important to save with a 529 plan.
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10 states with the fastest rising college tuition
Since the Great Recession, state appropriations to higher education have been at historic lows.
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Want to help your child get into college? Take a step back.
When it comes to a student's college application process, new research suggests that too much parent involvement can end up doing more harm than good.
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Raising city kids? 8 states where you can save the most money
If you want your kids to grow up in an urban environment and still have room for college savings in your budget, check out these 8 low-cost cities.
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Private College 529 and college savings plans: A perfect pair
The Private College 529 Plan can be an excellent complement to a 529 savings plan. Here’s how using these two vehicles together can help maximize savings.
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A guide to finding your best SAT date
A college admissions expert offers helpful advice on how to select the best date to take the SAT exam, taking other important deadlines into account.
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College Savings Tips with Julie Shields-Rutyna
Join Brian Boswell and the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)’s Julie Shields-Rutyna for a live Facebook event, Tuesday, February 28th. Brian and Julie will be taking questions from the audience on topics like 529 plans, financial aid and more.
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Top ten direct-sold plans
The highly-anticipated Savingforcollege.com 529 plan rankings are here! This slideshow features our most recent top ten list of direct-sold 529 plans for one-year investment performance. *Three-year performance rankings as of 12/31/2016
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How to Achieve the College Dream Live Q&A Event
Some students who perform well academically, but are hesitant to apply to selective colleges because of their social or economic backgrounds. In this live Q&A event, Maria Carla Chicuen, author of Achieve the College Dream, offers practical advice on how students of all income levels can make their dream school a reality.
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6 things to consider when selecting an ABLE account
529 ABLE plans help individuals with disabilities save tax-free for future expenses without forfeiting benefits. Here are 6 things to know before choosing a plan.
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The importance of summer vacation in the road to college
The most selective universities often require applicants to write at least a short paragraph describing the academic or extracurricular activities in which students have participated during the summer vacations throughout high school.
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9 college savings tips to start the year off right
The New Year is the perfect time to review your 529 college savings plan strategy. Learn about how these nine tips can help achieve your goals in 2017.
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Committing to College Savings: How to Make Your Financial Resolution Stick
For those of us on the road towards saving for our children’s college education, sticking to your saving goals may be more manageable than we think.
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I withdrew too much 529 money. Now what?
What happens if you withdraw too much money from a 529 college savings plan? Learn how to avoid paying taxes and penalties and keep your savings intact.
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What you can do in middle school to start preparing for college
Middle school is a great time to start preparing for college. Here are steps to take during sixth, seventh and eighth grade to become a competitive applicant.
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Top college savings stories of 2016
2016 was another big year for the college savings industry. Our top stories covered 529 withdrawal strategies, the presidential election, financial aid and more.
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3 ways the PSAT will help your college admission chances
While taking the PSAT/NMSQT won’t directly influence college admission decisions, there are still three important benefits students can get out of it.
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How to determine the ROI on a college education
Factors to consider when helping a child understand a college degree’s return on investment (ROI) that will help minimize the future burden of student loan debt.
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The Best Way to Save For College Live Q&A Event
Second only to retirement, planning for your children’s college education is one of the most important financial decisions your family has to make.
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How much could you save for college by not buying these top toys?
Putting the money into a college fund is something that should be on everyone’s mind this holiday season. Learn how much you could save by not buying toys this year.
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5 education changes we might see under President Trump
President-elect Donald Trump was relatively quiet about education policy during his campaign, but here are five key changes we might see under his presidency.
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Top colleges aren’t just for the rich
In her new book, Maria Carla Chicuen explains how students can earn a degree from a prestigious college - even if they don’t come from a wealthy background.
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Just announced: Best 529 plans for 2016
Savingforcollege.com and Morningstar both rank 529 plans. Here's why it's important to explore them both.
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17 states where day care costs more than college
In 17 states, full-time day care costs more than college. Find out if your state made the list and how to saving in a 529 when your child starts elementary school.
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Fall semester timeline for high school seniors
Lulu Curiel, CEO and Founder of Ivy Advisors, provides helpful tips for high school seniors on how they can best prepare for college over the coming months.
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What grandparents need to know about the new FAFSA rules
Learn how recent changes to the FAFSA could make it easier for some grandparents to help pay for college without impacting the student's financial aid eligibility.
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Study shows 2/3 of families consider price when selecting a college
The 2016 "How America Pays for College" report reveals that for many students and families, the choice of college is largely influenced by tuition and other costs.
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Six Winning Strategies to Cutting the Cost of College
The absolute best way to make college more affordable for your family is to become an educated college consumer.
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Where does Donald Trump stand on college affordability?
Donald Trump has made several statements related to student debt and rising college costs. Find out how these ideas might turn into proposals if he is elected.
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Kaplan to offer FREE online PSAT prep course
Kaplan Test Prep recently announced the upcoming launch of a free Preliminary SAT (PSAT) prep course for all students., which will cover each area of the exam, including Reading, Math, Writing and Language.
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How to earn college credit without ever setting foot on campus
Even before enrolling in a four-year university, high school students can get a head start on earning college credit.
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What the new FAFSA rules mean for you
Some big changes are in store for the federal financial aid process. Here’s what you need to know before the filing season launches on October 1, 2016.
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Is your state giving away free money for college?
Check out our growing list below of College Savings Month events taking place all over the country.
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12 simple ways to prepare a student to win college scholarships
No matter how old or young your children are, there are ways you can prepare now to help them win future college scholarships.
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5 ways to help your child navigate the student loan process
Applying for student loans can be a stressful and confusing process. Here's how parents can help their kids get started with the process.
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New study: Are men too confident about college savings? Or are women too pessimistic?
According to Savingforcollege.com's Annual College Savings Survey, a person's gender may impact the way they save and pay for college. What's more, these differences may exist across a broader spectrum of financial attitudes and behaviors.
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2016 plan performance rankings Q2
Savingforcollege.com's Q2 529 performance rankings analyze one, three, five, and ten year investment performance as of June 30, 2016 and rank 529 savings plans from best to worst.
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Washington College to award scholarship match to 529 plan contributions
In a first of its kind scholarship, Washington College will pilot a program that matches up to $2,500 per year that families contribute to a 529 college savings plan or Coverdell Education Savings Account.
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Study reveals parents could have saved $20,000 more for college
Fidelity Investments' launched their 10th Annual College Savings Indicator Study.
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8 things to know going into your freshman year of college
It's important to maintain perspective as you enter college and the transition to adulthood. These tips from Ivy Advisors will help ease your anxiety and prepare you for your freshman year.
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Cosigners are helping borrowers get better rates on student loans
For students taking out private loans to cover college funding gaps, having a cosigner not only improves the odds of being approved for a loan, but can help borrowers obtain a better interest rate, an analysis of Credible user data shows.
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A guide to applying for scholarships
This guide will help you navigate the world of college scholarships and win the awards you need to pay for your school of choice.
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New tool helps you pick the best investments for college
Just like your 401k or IRA, your 529 plan’s performance will be based on its underlying investments, so it’s important to select the right combination of potential risk and reward to meet your needs.
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Understanding 529 expenses
An explanation of the four major categories of 529 plan fees and expenses and how to compare between plans.
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Using multiple 529 plans
There are several reasons why someone might want to open accounts in more than one 529 plan.
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How to select investments in a 529 plan
When setting up a 529 savings plan, you’ll need to choose an investment option. Learn about the three different types of options available and how they can help you meet your goals.
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Savings opportunities for students with special needs
Saving for a child’s or grandchild’s college can be complicated, but things become even more complex when that child has a disability. Learn about the different ways to plan for their future education and the best ways to save for it.
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Hillary Clinton's plan for free college: Will you still need to save?
Hillary Clinton recently introduced an expanded proposal to her original “College Compact,” which would make college more affordable and outstanding debt more manageable. But how realistic are the proposals? Do they go too far, or not far enough?
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A High Schooler's Guide to Preparing For the Ivy Leagues
While there’s no set guideline that will lead you to a successful admission into the Ivy League, there are four things to focus on during your high school career that could increase your chances of getting in.
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Best student loan options for parents
There are many types of student loans, offered both by the government and private lenders. Here's what parents need to know.
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Does your school’s accreditation mean anything?
It is extraordinarily rare that the DoE stop recognizing an accreditor, so much so that they’ve put up a blog post dedicated to explaining its impact.
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4 tips on making the most of summertime college visits
Summer is a great time of year for you to see firsthand if a college is the right school for you. Here are four recommendations to help you get the most out of your summer campus visits.
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12 money rules to live by
If you're tired of the "on the one hand this, on the other hand that" approach to financial advice, check out these guidelines I've collected over the years. Perhaps you’ll find some one-size-fits-all advice that suits you.
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Congress aims to improve and simplify 529 plans
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5 ways to tell if you're using the wrong 529 plan
There are over 100 different 529 plans available - so how can you be sure that you’re using the best plan to suit your family’s needs? Here are five red flags to look out for:
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The Wealthfront 529 College Savings Plan: Is college investing with a robo-advisor right for you?
Recently announced state-sponsored 529 college savings plan to complement its existing suite of investment products, see what this means for families saving for college.
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College Savings by the Numbers
Think about how much you want to save for college, the strategies you’re using to do so, and any extra steps you can take to boost your efforts.
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2016 plan performance rankings Q1
Savingforcollege.com's Q1 529 performance rankings analyze one, three, five, and ten year investment performance as of March 31, 2016 and rank 529 savings plans from best to worst.
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Are parents getting savvier about saving for college?
The results of two recent surveys reveal that there's still an opportunity for Savingforcollege.com and financial advisors to educate families about the importance of including college savings in their overall financial plan.
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Should you use your employer-sponsored 529 plan?
Companies become more aware of the importance of financial wellness, some are also starting to help save for future college bills.
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Don't Let Your Student Loans Hold You Back – 5 Ways to Tackle Your Debt
Graduates are delaying major life milestones because of their student loan debt.
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Will taking a gap year help me get into the Ivy League?
Increase awareness of the gap years, and their benefits.
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The price of procrastination: 7 reasons to start saving today
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Success story: How I became debt-free just two years after graduation
A real-life story from one of our readers who successfully tackled high college costs.
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Saving for college: It's not just about the numbers
The best savings plan for college really differs for each family.
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5 simple ways to teach a young child about college
How exactly do you talk about college with your kindergartner?
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Omnibus: What it is and why advisors should care
Omnibus is a word a lot of people in the asset management industry toss around, but not a lot of people understand.
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6 things to consider if your child is going to college overseas
Cost shouldn't be the only factor to consider if your child wants to attend college overseas.
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How the Fiduciary Rule Impacts 529 plans
The U.S. DOL (Department of Labor) unveiled new rules that are, in aggregate, widely-referred to as "The Fiduciary Rule."
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Which Standardized Test Should You Take - the ACT or SAT?
Today, both the SAT and the ACT are accepted by four-year universities.
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New 529 ABLE accounts may offer even more benefits for people with disabilities
The ABLE Act gives Americans with disabilities the opportunity to save up to $14,000 per year in a tax-deferred account similar to a 529 college savings plan as a supplement to their government benefits.
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More Americans are saving for college with 529 plans
There are a number of different ways to save for future college costs.
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Introducing the new and improved SAT
The SAT exam has undergone a major renovation.
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Study shows Maine students who receive state grants for college are more likely to graduate
States also encourage residents to earn a degree, viewing a college education as a driver of economic and social mobility.
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Introducing the new and improved SFC community forum
Our readers can share tips, ask questions and get advice from each other on our newly designed community message board.
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Student loan debt vs. investments: What to prioritize
Eliminating debt is always beneficial, could focusing too much on paying back those college loans actually be bad?
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AP vs. IB: Which Program Is Best for You?
Both AP and IB programs give high school students the opportunity to earn college credit and become better prepared for higher education.
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Top Ten Direct-Sold 529 Plans*
The highly-anticipated Savingforcollege.com 529 plan rankings are here! This slideshow features our most recent top ten list of direct-sold 529 plans for one-year investment performance. *Three-year performance rankings as of 12/31/15
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Are college admissions officers checking out your profile?
According to a new survey from Kaplan Test Prep, today’s college applicants should be careful what they post to Facebook and Instagram.
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Busting the top 7 myths about prepaid tuition plans
To help you better understand the prepaid tuition plans and how they work, here are some common myths and the facts that bust them.
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Win $500 from the College Savings Foundation!
The College Savings Foundation (CSF) is continuing their contest this month for families who use 529 plans.
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Small Changes Can Lead to Big College Savings in 2016
There's no better time than the present to bolster your college savings.
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Expert tips on handling your 529 plan in a shaky market
What does a stock market downturn mean for your college savings plan? Find out what the experts have to say.
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Here's how you can help your child pick a college major
Thinking about a future career path is an important step in the college planning process that sometimes gets overlooked in the midst of filling out college applications and figuring out how to pay the tuition.
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Saving for college? You could win $500!
The College Savings Foundation (CSF) is running a new contest for families who save with 529 plans. Enter today!
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Should 529 plans be able to cover pre-K through 12 expenses?
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush recently announced an education plan that would include expanding the benefits of 529 college savings plans.
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College savings: What's in, what's out?
Here are some trends to watch out for to make sure you’re maximizing the savings potential of your 529 plan.
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4 tips to make the most of scholarships
The same vigilance that was used to earn a scholarship is critical if you're going to use the money properly. Here are four tips for helping students get the most out of their reward.
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How satisfied are consumers with their 529 plans?
According to Sallie Mae’s How America Saves for College 2015, 27% of American families saving for college are using 529 plans. But how happy are they with their plans?
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Just released: 529 Plan 5-Cap Ratings
Savingforcollege.com provides a 5-Cap Rating to each plan to help investors evaluate their college savings options as of September 30, 2015.
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Top college savings stories of 2015
Here's a list of our most-read articles of the year, and many offer tips and advice that can be used throughout 2016 as well.
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New tax bill brings improvements to education benefits
Families saving for college with a 529 plan may want to review their 2015 qualified expenses.
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New study from Fidelity shows why money for college makes a smart gift
How soon will your kids lose interest in the toys they receive this holiday?
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5 important money lessons from a celebrity dad
Mark Steines, of Hallmark Channel's Home and Family, tells about the five most important money lessons he's teaching his kids.
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10 holiday traditions you can start this year
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a new tradition? Here are 10 festive ideas that will help make the season memorable for your family.
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Changes to 529 plans may be coming soon
Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, filed a bill to extend a variety of recently expired or soon to expire tax provisions.
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Conquering the Admissions Interview
Consider the following tips to help you master your admissions interview.
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How much can you contribute to a 529 plan in 2015?
Make the most of your tax-advantaged savings accounts.
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Top Ten Direct-Sold 529 Plans*
The highly-anticipated Savingforcollege.com 529 plan rankings are here! This slideshow features our most recent top ten list of direct-sold 529 plans for one-year investment performance. *Three-year performance rankings as of 09/30/15
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Parents vs. politicians on cutting college costs
One of the few things the 2016 presidential hopefuls agree on is that the cost of higher education and rising levels of student loan debt have become major issues. Learn more.
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10 ways to find scholarships
Parent or student looking to fill your college savings gap without having to borrow, here are 10 places you can look to find scholarships.
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5 year end tax tips for college savers
Parents and grandparents who use 529 plans to save for college are eligible for a number of tax benefits. This checklist will help you maximize your savings in 2016.
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Using 529 plan savings to pay for a gap year
Are there benefits to participating in a gap year program?
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23 best value colleges for budget-conscious students
The U.S. Department of Education has compiled a list of the 23 colleges that offer the lowest net prices and highest potential incomes after graduation.
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11 myths and realities of scholarships
Believe it or not, you may qualify for multiple scholarship opportunities, learn more.
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Considering community college? Here are the pros and cons
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid excessive student debt.
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Just announced: Best 529 plans for 2015
Ever wonder how your 529 college savings plan stacks up against the competition? One way to evaluate how your plan is performing is to check Morningstar's latest 529 plan ratings.
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Tuition prices of top football colleges: AP Top 25 Poll
Since a football scholarship might not be in everyone’s future, we’ve listed the tuition prices of the schools that made up the AP Top 25 Poll in week eight.
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How much financial aid will you get? Use this tool to get an idea
One thing every student should absolutely do when applying to college is to apply for federal financial aid. Fortunately, we have an easy tool to help you estimate how much aid might be available.
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The new SAT essay: Does your dream school require it?
The short answer is maybe, but probably not. The College Board's new version of the SAT will roll out in March, which includes a newly structured, optional essay portion.
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Investing trends of 529 college savers
Find out how other 529 account owners are investing in their plans, and learn some best practices to help you make better choices for your own 529 plan investments.
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5 habits of successful college savers
If you're looking to maximize your savings potential, there's more to it than blindly socking money away. Here are six habits of truly successful college savers.
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How to Save for College in the Big Ten States
Just for fun, here’s a look at college savings plan options from the 11 states that are home to Big Ten college football teams:
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Six steps to landing in the Ivy Leagues
If your child has their hopes set on attending an Ivy League school, it's important to start preparing early on. Lulu Curiel of Ivy Advisors shares six tips to pave your path to the Ivy League schools.
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The biggest college planning mistake parents make
How much debt should parents and students take on?
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Five simple steps to enrolling in a 529 plan
Wondering just to how go about opening a 529 plan? You're not alone! According to our 2nd annual Annual College Savings Survey, 86 percent of those who intend to open a 529 plan don't know the steps involved. Don't worry - we're here to help!
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4 things you can do to get ready for student loan repayment
When your first student loan statement arrives in the mail, you'll want to be prepared so that you – and your budget – will be ready to make your first payment on time. These four steps will help get you ready for your first student loan payment.
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Don't Let These Myths Muddle College Savings
See the results of Fidelity recently College Savings Indicator Study.
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How to make 'Lazy Money' start working to save for college
One idea for advisors looking to deepen client trust and relationship levels is identify so-called 'lazy money' sitting in parent or grandparent accounts, and recommend repositioning those resources to shore up a college savings gap.
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#TBT College savings: Then and Now
For the past nine years, Fidelity’s College Savings Indicator Study has revealed just how much American families are putting away for college. Read more.
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76 percent of families have college funds by first grade
According to new data from the College Savings Foundation, more and more parents are saving for college while their child is still very young. Here's why starting to save early and using a 529 plan is a winning combination.
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5 types of students who benefit from 529 plans
No matter what "type" of student you’re saving for, a 529 plan can be an excellent way to plan for college expenses. Click through our slideshow to see how a variety of students can each benefit from a 529 plan.
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Where the republican presidential hopefuls went to college
Who's your favorite presidential candidate?
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Eight reasons why grandparents love 529 plans
If you’re a grandparent there are a variety of different ways you can help pay for college. Here are eight reasons why we think saving with a 529 plan could be your best bet.
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75% of college savers don't know how to invest their 529 savings
When it comes to selecting investment options, many clients would benefit from the guidance of a financial advisor, read more:
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5 tips to crafting the perfect essay
College admission essays fill the gap between you and your test scores. Learn useful strategies when crafting your essay:
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Surprising facts about scholarships
But before you apply for a student loan, why not explore the idea of scholarships?
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Want to land a great job? Here's where you should go to school
According to hiring managers, these are the top 10 colleges in the U.S.
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31% of college savers are wrong about this rule
We recently surveyed over 300 college savers and found out that many are still unsure about some important rules regarding 529 plan investing.
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5 changes to the SAT and how parents are reacting
Did you know a new version of the SAT will be launching in March?
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How Dollar-Cost Averaging can protect your 529 savings during a stock market slump
If you find that your 529 plan is performing poorly, you generally have a few different options, learn more.
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Who can open a 529 plan?
Here are six examples of people who would benefit from opening a 529 plan and how.
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5 tips to keep your back-to-school grocery budget in check
Here are some tips on how to feed your family this school year without going broke.
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Top ten direct-sold 529 plans*
The highly-anticipated Savingforcollege.com 529 plan rankings are here! This slideshow features our most recent top ten list of direct-sold 529 plans for one-year investment performance.
*One-year performance rankings as of 06/30/15
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37 best college memories from the '90's
Your child deserves the chance to make his own list of college memories one day.
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Lacrosse or Kumon? Which activities best prepare a young child for college?
Many believe that certain activities will give their child a leg up on the competition when it comes time to apply for college.
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10 things to know before you take an online course
Before enrolling in an online course, get the facts. Here are the top ten things you should know about e-learning.
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4 things to watch out for when applying to a top school
If you have high hopes for sending your child to an Ivy League college, watch out for these common mistakes that can cost your child an acceptance letter.
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Is student debt motivating young parents to save for college?
While the common perception is that student debt is a barrier to college savings, new survey data suggests it may actually have a positive effect on young parents' drive save for college.
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Being Smart about Recommendation Letters Before Senior Year of High School
What is one of the most useful steps young students can take to improve their chances of getting into a top school?
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Part Two: College is worth every penny
Is a degree still a good value?
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100 weird scholarship ideas
Worried that your student is out of the running to receive scholarships to help pay for college? Fear not! There is plenty of scholarship money out there - you might just have to get a little creative.
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Part One: Yup, college is a huge waste of money.
Here's a great example of someone who gave college a try and wasn't too happy with the results.
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4 ways to get your kids involved with saving for college
Looking for ways to get your kids involved in saving for their future college education while they're young? Here are some creative ideas that have worked for other families.
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Top 5 financial considerations when selecting childcare
How has the high cost of childcare affected family budgets and savings goals, and what can families do to soften the blow?
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How you can help your child ace the SAT or ACT
It's never too early to start preparing for the SATs or ACTs. Lauren Gaggioli, Founder of Higher Scores Test Prep, shares her insights on what it takes to make the grade on these high-stress standardized tests.
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5 youngest shark tank entrepreneurs
Think it's tough to make it big on the hit ABC show "Shark Tank"? Click through our slideshow to see some of the youngest entrepreneurs who have been successful.
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I won't qualify for financial aid, but I still need help paying for college
What can you do if you make too much for financial aid, but not enough to pay for college out of pocket?
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Should I pay for private elementary school or save for college?
Is it more important to pay for education now, or save for college?
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Top 10 financial mistakes millennial parents make
Millennials carry a heavy student debt burden, worsened by the effects of a tough job market. And now they're having babies. Here are the top mistakes that will prevent these young parents from meeting financial goals.
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7 money management tips to save more for college
Boost your college savings efforts, with the following seven money management tips can help get you off on the right foot.
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How younger students can build a competitive profile for the Ivy League schools
It's never too early to start thinking about your child's college application. Here are some things you can do now to prepare your child for the Ivy League.
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Will you spend too much this 4th of July? Depends on where you celebrate.
According to Wallethub, the average household is expected to spend around $346.50 on Independence Day this year. Costs will add up quickly, especially if you plan on traveling. Here is a list of the best (and worst) cities to celebrate the 4th of July this year.
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College Savings Timeline: Time to get in gear
Even if your child has less than 18 years until college, you still have plenty of time to grow significant savings. Here are five things to focus on if college is 10 years away.
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Can I use my 529 plan to buy electronics?
A question that’s been on the minds of families for some time now is whether or not “supplies and equipment” includes electronics such as computers, smartphones and tablets.
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5 characteristics of high school students heading to college
Students are more concerned than ever about the price of college and many are trying to avoid student loans. Here's a breakdown of why they're so motivated, and what they're doing to make their dreams a reality.
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[VIDEO] What is a qualified expense?
These are all common questions we hear from families related to 529s.
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College Savings Timeline: New beginnings
For those of you who are about to enter the world of parenthood – Congratulations! Believe it or not, this is the ideal time to start a college savings fund. Here are five steps to get started today.
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Five questions to ask yourself when choosing a college savings strategy
College can be one of the largest expenses a family will ever face. There are a number of different options available to help you reach your goal, and here are a few things to consider before choosing the one that’s right for you.
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5 Ways to Save for College this Summer
Here are five easy ways kids can save money for college during summer break.
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7 things you may not know about student loan repayment
If you're one of the 40 million Americans who currently have an outstanding student loan, click through this slideshow to see seven important facts about how repayments work.
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8 Tips on How to Make Student Loans Work for You
How do I pay for college?
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How much can parents really save for college by giving up Starbucks?
Giving up five trips to Starbucks and one meal out per week you could save enough to cover a full year of private school tuition in 18 years.
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Is it a mistake not to hire a financial planner?
When it comes to planning and saving for college, some families prefer to endure the journey alone, but others are willing to pay for professional guidance. DIY college planning may work for some, but here are 6 things you might be missing out on by not utilizing a financial professional.
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[INFOGRAPHIC] Top Misconceptions About College Savings: Do You Know the Answers?
Our annual survey revealed that many families are still confused about how 529 plans work. Learn about the biggest misconceptions.
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How one summer of reading can help your kid succeed all year long
Keep your child active this summer by enrolling them in a summer reading program, and you could be eligible to win a 529 account worth up to $1,529! TIAA-CREF has partnered with libraries around the country to offer summer reading programs in many states.
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Is Online College a Cheaper Option for Your High School Grad?
If the coming months include college for your son or daughter, you're likely facing the dilemma of how to pay some steep tuition costs.
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Can 529 savings be used to pay for summer courses?
Taking summer courses is a great way for students to get ahead and possibly graduate sooner. And yes, you can pay for most summer classes with 529 savings and still maximize tax benefits. Here are a few things to consider:
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10 expert savings tips to make the most of summer
Now that summer's finally here, are you planning a busy and fun-filled next few months for your family? Here are 10 tips from the experts to help you plan for a memorable summer without draining your bank account
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529 Day Webcast Recap
Did you miss our 529 Day live Q&A webinar? Here's a recap of all the great college savings topics that were covered.
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Is your child headed for the Ivy League?
Tens of thousands of students from all over the world apply to Ivy League schools each year. Take this quiz to see if your child is on track.
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10 things you need to know about getting scholarships
When students are searching for scholarships, they must keep the following 10 things in mind to save time and reduce frustration.
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It Pays to Start Saving: 5 Ways to Get Started Now
Saving 100% of what you need for college may be difficult, any savings will open options and reduce the need to take on student debt.
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The 10 states with the fastest rising college tuition
Tuition prices have been rising across the country, but some states have experienced sharper increases than others. If you're planning to send your child to one of the following ten states, you might want to consider increasing your 529 plan contributions.
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529 Day Webcast - Meet the experts
Don't miss our 529 Day Webcast taking place on May 29th! Learn more about the panel of leading industry experts who will be answering your college savings questions.
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Top ten direct-sold 529 plans*
The highly-anticipated Savingforcollege.com 529 plan rankings are here! This slideshow features our most recent top ten list of direct-sold 529 plans for one-year investment performance.
*One-year performance rankings as of 03/31/15
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Ask an Expert: Should I still use a 529 plan to save if I am unsure of my child's higher education plans?
Parents often delay opening a 529 account because of uncertainty regarding their child's plans for higher education. Marguerita Cheng of Blue Ocean Global Wealth explains how parents can still benefit from 529 plans even if their child doesn't end up needing the funds.
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5 groovy college lessons from Mad Men
AMC's hit period-drama 'Mad Men' is coming to an end! For a fun twist before the finale, take a look at this list of lessons that can be learned about saving for college from our favorite Mad Men characters.
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Are you a financially savvy parent?
As a parent, you have a lot to think about on a daily basis - but how much thought are you giving to your household finances? Start here by taking this quiz to find out if your family finances are on the right track!
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529 reasons to save for college with a 529 plan
We're celebrating 529 Day this year in a BIG way by compiling a list of 529 reasons to open a 529 plan! To kick things off, here are some great reasons from a few of our favorite industry experts.
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9 ways America's college savings habits have changed
Sallie Mae's 2015 'How America Pays For College' report is fairly consistent with 2014's findings in how American families prepare for the costs of higher education. Here are 9 changes in some saving attitudes and behaviors that we thought we worth noting.
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How to pay off student loan debt while saving for the future
Over 40 million Americans have student loan debt. Is it possible to build savings while paying down your loans? Guest blogger Robert Farrington, Founder of The College Investor, tells us how.
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7 ways to prepare a child with autism for college
In honor of Autism Awareness Month this April, here are seven things a you can do to make the dream of college a reality for a child with autism.
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This year's top 10 best and worst jobs
Looking for a little motivation when it comes to saving for college? This year's list of the best and worst jobs of 2015 should remind you just how important that college education will be in helping your child or grandchild to achieve the job of his or her dreams.
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Are U.S. Savings Bonds still an effective way to save for college?
Way back before smart phones, Netflix and Facebook, many families were using savings bonds as a way to set aside money for college. If you're still holding on to your bonds - is it time for an upgrade?
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Mint.com expert interview on paying for college
We recently had the opportunity to share our advice on funding higher education with Mint.com in their Expert Interview series. In honor of Financial Literacy Month, read though this interview to learn some great tips on the best ways to pay for college.
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How to pass the college affordability test (CAT)
Many students and parents invest time and money preparing for the SAT and ACT but don’t give much forethought to passing their own college affordability test (CAT). Wendy David-Gaines discusses ways families can begin prepping for their own CAT.
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10 things you can learn about saving for college from Game of Thrones
What can Jon Snow, Sansa Stark and Tyrion Lannister teach you about planning for college? Find out in this fun Game of Thrones slideshow.
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Ask an expert: Can I claim any higher education tax benefits for a non-dependent child?
As the deadline to file your taxes draws near, Marguerita Cheng of Blue Ocean Global Wealth offers an answer to this frequently-asked question concerning higher education tax credits.
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Will a high school part-time job help with college admissions?
A part-time job can have a big impact on a student’s college application and could even influence their career path for years to come. Ryan Hickey, Managing Editor of Peterson's, shares four key questions that students should consider when looking for a part-time job.
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What is your state doing to promote saving for college?
As tuition prices continue to skyrocket, many states are actively trying to raise awareness about the importance of saving for college. At this year's College Savings Foundation Conference, representatives from several states shared their thoughts with us on the best ways to promote saving for college.
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Ask an expert: How do grandparent-owned 529 plans affect financial aid eligibility?
Matthew Toner of Savingforcollege.com responds to the frequently asked-about topic of grandparent-owned 529 accounts and their effect on financial aid eligibility.
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College Savings April Foolery
Don't be tricked this April Fools Day! Make sure you do your research so that you know exactly what the best strategy is to help you meet your college savings goals.
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[PODCAST] Melinda Lewis on the relationship between college savings and student debt
Just how much of an effect does a college fund have on the likelihood that a student will have to borrow? In this podcast, Kathryn Flynn and Melinda Lewis discuss new research on the relationship between saving for college and student debt.
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How to prepare now for that first tuition bill
Save for college with confidence: Your uuide to education funding, a resource published by Northwestern Mutual.
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How to save for college in the Sweet Sixteen states
It’s March Madness time! In honors of tonight’s first round of games between the Sweet 16 bracket, we’ve put together a slideshow highlighting the teams by state, and the 529 college savings plans offered by each state.
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Does your employer help you save for college?
Many workers feel that help with saving for college is a key piece missing from their benefits package. Kathryn Flynn and Christian Duffus of LEAF College Savings discuss why we rarely see college savings plans offered as employee benefits.
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Little Einsteins flock to the White House Science Fair
This year's annual White House Science Fair highlighted the President's 'Educate to Innovate' Campaign, part of the larger initiative to make college a reality for more students.
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Will the Student Aid Bill of Rights help your family?
Last week President Obama signed a presidential memorandum outlining a plan intended to help dissolve the student debt crisis. The Student Aid Bill of Rights focuses on four key issues related to helping students pay for college and helping graduates manage and repay their student loans.
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5 secrets to winning a college scholarship
The assumption that one has to be a perfect 4.0 student to win college scholarships has stopped a lot of talented students from even applying. Here are five secrets to winning a college scholarship that award recipients swear by.
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5 ways to grow your 529 pot o' gold
Even if you can't depend on the luck of the Irish to help you afford college tuition, here are five simple ways you can use a 529 plan to grow your own pot of gold for college!
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Nine reasons why every 'Modern Family' needs a 529 plan
The following slideshow looks at one of America’s favorite unconventional families and how each member can enjoy the benefits of a 529 plan.
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Savingforcollege.com's March Photo Madness
To get in the spirit of the upcoming March Madness basketball tournament, we're giving you the opportunity to win some great prizes. Enter our Facebook photo contest for a chance to win a $250 cash scholarship and two fitbits!
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Understanding your student loans and how to repay them
With so many loan repayment options out there it’s important for borrowers to explore all of their repayment options and make sure they find the plan that best fits their needs and their budget. NerdScholar's Alexandra Rice shares some tips.
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The Penny Hoarder talks about saving and paying for college
Kyle Taylor, founder of The Penny Hoarder blog, shares some tips for parents, college students, and recent grads on ways to earn, save, and grow money.
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Making the most of the college visit
When considering a college to attend, one factor that students cannot get from the facts, pictures or stories is how they will feel once they are on campus. Here are some tips on how to make the most of a college visit.
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Financial Aid - Five crucial tips
There are many sources of financial aid available, learn more about them.
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It's that time of year again - the 40-Day College Savings Challenge
Join us again this year and challenge yourself to find room in your family budget for college savings. Keep track of what you're able to save for the next 40 days, and keep us posted on how it's going!
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[PODCAST] Selecting your 529 plan investment options
In this podcast episode, Joe Hurley and Kathryn Flynn discuss the investment options typically offered in a 529 plan and how to choose the best investment portfolio to achieve your savings target.
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10 things we love most about 529 plans
Getting to college without going into excessive debt isn’t easy, but it’s also not impossible. Here are 10 reasons why we think 529 plans are the most effective way for families to save for college.
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7 ways the 2016 fiscal year budget could affect higher education
This week, the Obama administration released a 2016 fiscal year budget request, which details the President's plan to make education and job training top priorities. This slideshow lists the impact the proposed budget could have on certain areas of higher education.
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5 reasons we were outraged by the President's 529 proposal
In the week following the President's surprising proposal to tax 529 plan withdrawals and subsequent dropping of the proposal, we began to wonder why it was ever brought up in the first place. After taking a closer look, here are five reasons we feel the president's proposal was based on some pretty misleading data.
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Automatic scholarships: New way to impact college planning
Looking for scholarships to help pay for college? Learn how the Raise.me platform helps students earn automatic "micro-scholarships" towards participating colleges for every milestone they achieve throughout high school.
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529 plans and their tax benefits are here to stay
College savers can now breathe a sigh of relief as the President plans to drop his proposal to eliminate tax-free withdrawals of 529 college savings plans.
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What you need to know about President Obama's 529 tax proposal
In light of President Obama's recent proposal to eliminate the federal tax benefits of 529 plans, here are the facts on the proposal as it currently stands, as well as some ideas on how you can take action against it.
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The President's backdoor plan to increase 529 savings
Reaction to President Obama's proposal to impose tax on qualified distributions from 529 savings accounts.
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5 ways to avoid student loans
If you want your teenager to go to college without taking student loans, it’s important that you make a plan right now to prepare for that. Rachel Cruze explains a few ideas for how to get started.
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What would you do with free community college?
In case you haven't heard, President Obama recently announced a plan that would allow some students to attend two years of community college for free. Here are five ways families could take advantage of the potential savings of this plan, should it come to fruition.
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529 plans and the FAFSA
Before you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it's a good idea to understand how your current savings, including those in 529 plans, are analyzed in calculating your financial aid eligibility.
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The 25 best 529 plan questions of 2014
Is opening a 529 plan one of your New Year's resolutions? Here's a list of some of the most commonly-asked 529 questions (and their answers!) to help you stick to your goal.
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The ABLE Act and what it means for your 529 plan
The long-awaited Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act has been signed into law by President Obama. Learn about how the 529A accounts created by this Act will help Americans with disabilities better save for the future.
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[PODCAST] How to give a gift of college savings
Happy holidays! In this new podcast, Joe Hurley and Kathryn Flynn discuss why a contribution to a 529 plan can be a more meaningful gift for a child than a toy or cash.
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5 ways to get money for college this holiday season
Instead of receiving more trucks or dolls to add to your already overflowing toy chest, why not consider asking your loved ones to contribute to your child's college fund this year? View this slideshow to learn more about some of the creative 529 gifting programs available to help you do just that.
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Making the right year-end moves
December 31 is fast approaching. If you haven't yet completed your year-end 529 housekeeping, now is the time to do it. This checklist should help:
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College: The Ultimate Gift Idea This Holiday Season
Grandparents Can Help Fill the College Savings Void
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5 ways to judge your 529 plan's performance
You expect excellent investment results from your 529 plan, but how do you really know? Here are five approaches to help you judge your 529 plan's investment performance.
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Despite rising tuition prices, more students are just saying "No" to loans
Last week, the College Board released its annual "Trends in College Pricing" report, which revealed some much needed positive news regarding student borrowing.
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5 reasons to keep your 529 plan open during college
Even if there's only a small balance left in your 529 plan after paying your tuition bills, it's usually a smart idea to keep the plan up and running. Learn why.
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Be the Quarterback of Your College Savings Team
Steps to help accelerate college savings plan.
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[INFOGRAPHIC] College Savings Month Survey results
This year's College Savings Month survey revealed what factors families feel are most important when choosing a 529 plan. View our new infographic to see a summary of the findings.
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[PODCAST] Getting started with a 529 plan - Step 3: Maximizing your savings
In the third and final episode of the "Getting Started with a 529 Plan" series, Kathryn Flynn and Joseph Hurley discuss ways you can maximize the savings in your 529 plan in order to meet your college savings goals.
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Does this 529 plan rule leave you scratching your head?
Investing in your home state's 529 plan can have some great benefits, but you should still explore the 529 options in other states as well.
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The 529 plan F-Word
Almost all college savers will agree that the most hated four-letter word associated with 529 plans is F-E-E-S. It's important to compare fees when deciding on a 529 plan. But where do you start?Here’s a quick slideshow to help you understand the different charges:
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8 tips for preparing your child for the financial realities of college
This guest post offers the following strategies to help you ensure your kids are ready to face the expenses of higher education.
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Savingforcollege.com's College Savings Month festivities
To celebrate College Savings Month, we’re featuring exciting new content dedicated to sharing our knowledge and answering your questions regarding 529 college savings plans and other planning tools. Here’s a quick list of what we’re currently offering.
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[PODCAST] Getting started with a 529 plan - Step 2: Opening your account
Tune in to the next episode in our podcast series and listen to Joe Hurley and Kathryn Flynn's discussion on what you need to do to set up your 529 college savings account.
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You're saying my financial advisor can help me plan for college?
Most parents and grandparent already know that they can open a 529 plan through an advisor, but what they may not realize is that advisors are also helping to make college attainable in other ways.
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[PODCAST] Getting started with a 529 plan - Step 1: Finding the best plan
529 accounts are relatively simple to set up, but with over 100+ different options available, even the most savvy investors are sometimes left wondering where to begin. In this new podcast series, we discuss the steps to take when setting up a new 529 college savings account.
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Five reasons competency-based education might be for you
Competency-based education is a new trend in online higher education that caters to those who may have financial or time restraints that prevent a traditional college experience. Here are five reasons why this non-traditional type of college program might be for you.
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Why you should teach your kids about money
Studies have shown that kids who are involved in family finances are much more likely to save money themselves, yet many parents still have reluctance when it comes to discussing financial matters with their kids.
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4 Ways Families Are Tackling High College Costs
According to Sallie Mae's annual How America Pays for College study that was released last week, families are getting the message about saving early for college. Learn more here.
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[PODCAST] How to Effectively Save For College When You Have Multiple Children
Listen to our podcast to learn the best ways to divvy up your college savings with multiple children.
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How college savings can make a great gift
Here's a great gift-giving idea that you can incorporate annually into your child's life, and even put a college-savings spin on it.
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A top college savings resource for grandparents
There are a number of different ways for grandparents to help save for college, yet for many the process can seem overwhelming. Here's an overview of the college savings resources we have available to help grandparents ensure their grandchildren have the best chance for success.
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[INFOGRAPHIC] College Savings Timeline
Our newest "College Savings Timeline" Infographic focuses on what you can do during various stages of life to ensure an easy transition to college that won’t leave your child or grandchild burdened with excessive debt.
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For many college hopefuls, grandparents coming to the rescue
Parents strategizing to cover the cost of college may not have to look very far for an additional helping hand. One group of advocates is stepping up to help save for college and providing significant support: grandparents.
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Six calculators to help you save for college
We are constantly striving to come up with new and improved tools that will help you answer some of your toughest college savings questions. See how these six calculators can assist you with your budgeting and planning decisions:
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Benefits of 529 plans - How to Save for College HQ PODCAST
In this "How to Save for College HQ" Podcast, Celest Horton and Kathryn Flynn discuss the benefits of 529 plans and the importance of starting to save as soon as possible.
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College Savings Timeline: Time for college
All the hard work you've put into building up your child's college savings account has paid off, and now it's time for them to head off to college. What steps do you need to take to make a 529 plan withdrawal when the first tuition bill arrives?
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VIDEO - What happens to my 529 plan money if my child gets a scholarship?
Parents are sometimes hesitant to open a 529 account for their child because they are afraid of incurring penalties on any unused funds. However, there are some exceptions to the to the penalty rule:
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5 reasons recent college graduates are becoming the boomerang generation
As we celebrate our country’s independence this week, many parents of Class of 2014 college graduates are hoping for another sense of freedom.
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When your child wants to attend a U.S. Military Academy
What happens if families who have been diligently saving for college with a 529 plan have a child who plans to attend a military academy?
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Facebook contest: Share your proudest moment as a parent or grandparent!
This month, we’re offering a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card just for sharing a photo of your proudest parent or grandparent moment with us. Post your proudest moment on our Facebook wall for your chance to win!
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Scoring an athletic scholarship
This year's World Cup has given us sports fever! In today's blog post, we discuss the realistic probability of achieving a sports scholarship, and why opening a 529 college savings account is an excellent back-up plan.
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Don't be fooled by 529 plan sticker shock
Many critics of 529 plans who are hesitant to invest because they feel that the fees associated with these types of plans will eat away at their earnings. However, these claims leave out one of the most lucrative advantages of a 529 plan - the tax benefits.
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Congratulations to our 529 Day winner: Another great success!
This May 29th, affectionately known to the industry as 529 Day, was especially memorable for Rochelle Blee, the winner of our 529 Day celebration giveaway.
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Top five ways to spend 529 savings
Withdrawals from a 529 plan must be spent on qualified higher education expenses to avoid tax and penalty. Just what types of college expenses are qualified?
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College savings success stories: Anonymous tips
Last week we received some great advice on our message board explaining how to get the best education "bang for your buck". Consider these tips to create a well-rounded college funding strategy.
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10 reasons to give the gift of college education
Looking for the perfect gift? Whether you are shopping for a kindergartener, eighth grader or even a high school student, here are 10 reasons why a contribution to a college savings fund will always be appreciated.
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Four easy ways shoppers can become college savers
If saving for college while you shop sounds like your cup of tea, you might want to consider a credit card that will pay you back in the form of 529 plan contributions. Here are four credit cards that offer college savings rewards.
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VIDEO - Which 529 plan is best for me?
With hundreds of different options available, how do you know which 529 plan to choose? In this video, Joe Hurley points out the features you should look for when you shop for a 529 plan.
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Student loan rate hikes give more reason to save
Beginning July 1, we will see a 0.8% increase in interest rates on all federal student loans. If you were planning on taking out loans to pay for college, you may want to rethink your strategy.
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College Savings Timeline: The home stretch
You’re the parent of a high school junior, which means in just two years your child will be on his or her way to college. In this week’s College Savings Timeline, we discuss the five most important college planning steps for the final years of high school.
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Top four savings essentials for young families
Having kids and the expenses to go with them can sometimes put savings goals on hold. Whether your first baby just arrived or your oldest is headed to middle school, it’s never too late to get your family’s savings plan back on track. Here are four tips on how to get started.
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529 Day Q&A Webcast hosted by Savingforcollege.com
Mark your calendars! In honor of 529 Day, Thursday, May 29th at 1:00pm ET Savingforcollege.com is hosting a live webcast featuring the industry’s top experts. This is your chance to ask questions regarding 529 plans, financial aid and where college savings fits into your family’s financial plan.
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[INFOGRAPHIC] The History of the 529 Plan
Take a look at our newest infographic to see some important dates in the lifetime of the 529 plan, and how it has evolved to the great college savings vehicle that it is today.
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Five of the best college savings apps
In addition to allowing you to track funds in a bank or investment account, there are also mobile apps available that offer some fantastic planning tools. This slide show highlights five apps that help parents, students and grandparents plan for the future costs of college.
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College savings success stories: The 529 Guru's story
This week, we asked our very own Savingforcollege.com founder and "529 Guru", Joe Hurley, to share how he used his expertise to pay for the college education of his own two children.
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College Savings Timeline: Now entering the world of high school
Here are some things you can do in the next four years of high school to ensure an easy transition that won't leave your child burdened with excessive debt.
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Do 529 plans beat their benchmark?
A recent analysis conducted by Joe Hurley finds that historically when their unique benefits are taken into account, 529 plans can be a very lucrative choice when saving for college.
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College savings success stories: Family of seven
This week, author Katie Flynn will be telling her own college savings success story. She explains how her parents got Katie and her four siblings through college successfully - an incredible feat!
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5 ways to cut college costs
The last thing you want is to have your child graduate college burdened with student loans. Here are five ways anyone can put away extra money for college, regardless of income.
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College savings success stories: Our own success
We thought you might be interested in how saving for college worked for our own families. This week’s success story comes from our very own Chief Operating Officer, Marie Osypian.
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10 investing terms every college saver should understand
In honor of Financial Literacy Month, here’s a quick rundown of ten often-misunderstood investing terms that you’re likely to come across when choosing a saving strategy.
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Top 529 plans to follow on twitter
To help you keep up-to-date with the latest college savings news, here is a list of the most active plans on twitter. Follow away!
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College savings success stories: The Rickman family
Our first college savings success story features the Rickman family, who demonstrate the significant savings of having their children attend school in-state.
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Clearing up the confusion: Five popular 529 plan myths
Recent survey data has indicated that parents' misunderstanding of 529 plans may be a significant barrier to their use of them. In this slideshow we present five of the biggest 529 plan myths along with the facts to set the record straight.
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20 people on Twitter who can help you save for college
Whether you’re actively saving for college or just starting to think about it, here’s a list of 20 people whose tweets will help guide you through the college planning process.
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Annual College Savings Survey results: An opportunity to educate
Experts agree that there is a strong need for education on financial products and services, and that the younger these topics are introduced, the better. This includes the area of 529 plans, where confusion is still common.
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March Money Madness
Even if you're not a basketball fan, it's hard to escape the excitement of the March Madness Tournament. With so much attention surrounding colleges, it's a great time to be thinking about your own children's college plans!
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Truth be told - Common 529 plan misconceptions
The results of our Annual College Savings Survey show that there are still many people who are unclear about the functionality of 529 plans. In this post, we discuss six common misconceptions and reveal the correct answers to help clear up some of the confusion.
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Annual College Savings Survey results: All that you can leave behind
As college costs in America rise faster than the rate of inflation and total student loan debt surpasses $1 trillion, more relatives are exploring the idea of helping pay tuition for grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
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Annual College Savings Survey results: Direct- or advisor-sold 529 plan?
Our survey results indicate many of our readers feel comfortable selecting their own investments, but there may be situations in which an advisor-sold 529 plan could be a better fit. Here are a few key questions to ask yourself:
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Are 529 plans doing the job?
Total assets in 529 plans, which stood at $227 billion as of December 31, 2013, saw a 19% increase over the previous year's $190 billion total. Sounds pretty good, right? Actually, it’s a bit disappointing to me.
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Annual College Savings Survey results: Make the most of your savings
As promised, here is the first in a series of blog posts based on the results of our Annual College Savings survey. We begin by examining how our readers are currently saving for college and why.
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The 529 plan Pot O' Gold is growing!
Many future college students should be feeling lucky this St. Patrick’s Day. A recent report announced that total investments in 529 college savings plans hit a record level of $227 billion. However, families still have a long way to get to the end of the rainbow.
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[INFOGRAPHIC] How much do you need to save for college?
Our latest infographic looks at the actual expenses related to higher education and how American families are footing the bill to pay for college.
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The Bank of Grandma and Grandpa - New video featuring our very own Joe Hurley!
In the following video Joseph Hurley, Founder of Savingforcollege.com, explains the different ways Grandparents can assist with paying for tuition, taking issues like financial aid and taxes into consideration.
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The 2014 Annual College Savings Survey Results
The Annual College Savings Survey was designed to shed light on consumer beliefs and actions in relation to 529 plans. The results uncovered a number of key findings that we are excited to share with our readers in a new series of blog posts.
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The 40-Day College Savings Challenge
Regardless of your religious beliefs, Lent can be a great time to focus on good spending habits. Over the next 40 days, we challenge our readers to find ways to cut their budget and make room for college savings.
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Tax reform and 529 plans
Joe shares his thoughts on the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee's recently-proposed comprehensive tax reform package and its effect on tax incentives for education.
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Welcome to the new and improved Savingforcollege.com Blog!
Whether you are a new parent, grandparent or professional advisor, we are committed to offering the most timely and relevant college savings content while encouraging interaction, comments and feedback.
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Parents Reveal Top College Savings Strategies
Fidelity recently surveyed parents across the country to find out what college savings goals families have set for this year and how they intend to stick to them.
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6 college savings resolutions for 2014
The date of your child's college enrollment creeps ever closer. As 2013 comes to a close, consider including the following items on your list of resolutions for 2014.
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Did college just get less expensive?
The College Board this week released its annual report "Trends in College Pricing" containing data that suggests college tuition inflation may be slowing. This is good news for your clients concerned about funding future college costs for their children and grandchildren.
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America's Parents Get a B-Minus on Their College Savings Report Card
When we asked parents to grade their college savings progress, they gave themselves a B-minus. While there’s definitely room for improvement to bump that to an “A,” we found that many are taking steps in the right direction, with more families saving in 529 college savings plans (up 5% from 2012) and 61% having a financial plan in place to help reach college goals.
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10 reasons why Obama won't touch your 529
Many investment professionals were surprised last week by the Obama administration’s fiscal 2014 budget proposal to place a cap on balances in tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
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A checking account is a checking account
I appreciate a good survey as much as anyone. The results can provide useful insights and uncover trends, either positive or negative. However, there is usually much more to be found in the survey details than the headlines and executive summaries might suggest.
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Education incentives survive fiscal cliff
President Obama has just signed the 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA), saving many of the education tax incentives scheduled to expire on December 31, 2012, and even resuscitating incentives that had expired at the end of 2011.
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Use a 529 to avoid the 2013 tax increases
The message to your higher-income clients trying to save up for future college expenses is this: Use a 529 plan and avoid increased taxes for 2013.
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A College-Savings Enigma (Squared)
23 is the square root of 529. Depending on your predilection to numerology, something known as "the 23 enigma" could be a big deal.
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The anti-529ers
Financial advisers who do not like 529 plans may have their reasons, and I respect their opinions, but I suspect that many of their anti-529 comments come more from a lack of knowledge and experience than from objective data.
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