COLLEGE SAVINGS 101

Parent

	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. \| student loans \| \| millennial parents \| \| high loan balances \|
	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. \| FA \| \| Grandparent \| \| College \| \| Financial Aid \| \| FAFSA \|
	Everything You Need to Know About Parent PLUS Loans If you�re a parent considering a PLUS loan to help pay for your child�s education, read on for everything you need to know first. \| parent \| \| Loan \|
	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. \| 529s \| \| college savings \| \| parents \| \| education benefits \| \| gap year \|
	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. \| saving for college \| \| college savings month \| \| 529 plan \| \| parenting \| \| paying for college \|
	Six must-know 529 plan rules Even with all of the recent publicity surrounding 529 plans, many families are still confused about how they operate. Click through this slideshow to view the biggest misconceptions according to this year's Annual College Savings Survey. \| slideshow \| \| 529 plans \| \| 529 plan \| \| misconceptions \| \| tax deduction \| \| grandparents \| \| parents \| \| 529 plan rules \| \| tax benefits \| \| higher education \| \| financial aid \|
	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. \| 529 plan \| \| slideshow \| \| scholarships \| \| qualified expenses \| \| financial aid \| \| grandparents \| \| paying for college \| \| college costs \|
	How 7 different assets can affect your financial aid eligibility Before you fill out the FASFA, learn how seven different assets, including 529 college savings plans, can impact your federal financial aid eligibility. \| financial aid \| \| FAFSA \| \| CSS profile \| \| grandparents \| \| paying for college \| \| student loans \| \| saving for college \| \| college savings options \| \| grants \|
	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. \| 529 plan \| \| grandparents \| \| saving for college \| \| college planning \| \| tax benefits \| \| estate planning \| \| financial planning \| \| investment \| \| \|
	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. \| young parents \| \| saving for college \| \| student loans \| \| student debt \| \| paying for college \| \| survey \| \| survey data \| \| paying off debt \|
	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. \| personal finance \| \| parenting \| \| savings \| \| budget \| \| retirement \| \| college \| \| saving for college \|
	10 easy ways grandparents can help pay for college One way grandparents can help their grandchildren on their journey to becoming successful adults is to help fund their college education. Here are ten ways to do this, and the risks and benefits of each. \| grandparents \| \| saving for college \| \| paying for college \| \| financial aid \| \| coverdell \| \| 529 plan \| \| loan \| \| trust \| \| grandchild \| \| estate planning \|
	[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. \| Annual Survey \| \| College Savings \| \| Grandparents \|
	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. \| parenting \| \| quiz \| \| ivyleague \| \| 529plan \|
	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! \| personal finance \| \| parenting \| \| savings \| \| paying for college \| \| saving for college \| \| quiz \|
	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. \| college savings \| \| Sallie Mae \| \| 529 plan \| \| parents \| \| college \| \| paying for college \| \| cost of college \|
	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. \| grandparent-owned 529 plans \| \| 529 plans \| \| financial aid \| \| financial aid eligibility \| \| FAFSA \| \| paying for college \|
	15 facts about financial aid eligibility Feeling overwhelmed by the process of applying for financial aid? Fear not! These fifteen facts can help you determine how much financial aid you may be eligible for. \| financial aid \| \| FAFSA \| \| CSS profile \| \| grandparents \| \| paying for college \| \| student loans \| \| saving for college \| \| college savings options \| \| grants \|
	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. \| Best 529 plan \| \| saving for college \| \| choosing a 529 plan \| \| 529 plan withdrawals \| \| financial aid \| \| grandparents \| \| 529 plan performance \| \| estate planning \|
	[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. \| podcast \| \| college savings \| \| 529 plan \| \| holiday \| \| 529 plan contribution \| \| paying for college \| \| saving for college \| \| grandparents \|
	College: The Ultimate Gift Idea This Holiday Season Grandparents Can Help Fill the College Savings Void \| Gift IDeas \| \| 529 Plan \| \| Grandparents \| \| Survey \| \| Fidelity \|
	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. \| 529 plan \| \| paying for college \| \| 529 plan withdrawals \| \| qualified expenses \| \| cost of attendance \| \| grandparents \| \| tax benefits \|
	Before you open a grandparent 529 account... A 529 college savings plan can be a very effective way for grandparents to build a college fund for their grandchildren. However, there are a few questions grandparents must ask themselves before opening a 529 account. \| saving for college \| \| 529 plan \| \| grandparents \| \| financial aid \| \| FAFSA \| \| 529 plan withdrawals \|
	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. \| grandparents \| \| saving for college \| \| 529 plans \| \| tax benefits \| \| gift tax \| \| investment \| \| \|
	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. \| grandparents \| \| saving for college \| \| paying for college \| \| cost of college \|
	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! \| facebook \| \| photo sharing \| \| proudest parent \| \| college savings \| \| graduation \|
	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. \| 529 day \| \| webcast \| \| college savings \| \| 529 plan \| \| grandparents \| \| estate planning \| \| college planning \|
	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. \| 529 plans \| \| college savings \| \| graduation \| \| graduation gift \| \| 529 plan contribution \| \| state tax benefits \| \| grandparents \|
	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. \| 529 plan \| \| 529 plans \| \| college savings \| \| parents \| \| grandparents \| \| myths \| \| financial aid \| \| scholarships \| \| tax deductions \|
	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. \| 529 \| \| 529 plans \| \| grandparents \| \| pay for college \| \| save for college \| \| student loans \| \| financial aid \| \| required minimum distributions \| \| college savings survey \|
	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. \| 529 plan \| \| 529 plans \| \| college savings \| \| st. patricks day \| \| 529 plan assets \| \| college costs \| \| higher education \| \| grandparents \| \| 529 plan contributions \|
	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. \| grandparents \| \| saving for college \| \| 529 plans \| \| financial aid \| \| gift tax \| \| college \| \| college savings \|

Top 529 College Savings Plans

One-year rankings are based on a plan's average investment returns over the last 12 months.

	State	Plan Name
1	South Dakota	CollegeAccess 529 (Direct-sold)
2	Nevada	The Vanguard 529 Savings Plan
3	California	ScholarShare 529

	State	Plan Name
1	West Virginia	SMART529 WV Direct College Savings Plan
2	California	ScholarShare 529
3	Alaska	T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan

	State	Plan Name
1	Ohio	Ohio CollegeAdvantage Direct 529 Savings Plan
2	New York	New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan
3	California	ScholarShare 529

	State	Plan Name
1	Nevada	USAA 529 College Savings Plan
2	New York	New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan
3	Alaska	T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan

View Full List Find Plans in your State

	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. \| student loans \| \| millennial parents \| \| high loan balances \|
	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. \| FA \| \| Grandparent \| \| College \| \| Financial Aid \| \| FAFSA \|
	Everything You Need to Know About Parent PLUS Loans If you�re a parent considering a PLUS loan to help pay for your child�s education, read on for everything you need to know first. \| parent \| \| Loan \|
	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. \| 529s \| \| college savings \| \| parents \| \| education benefits \| \| gap year \|
	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. \| saving for college \| \| college savings month \| \| 529 plan \| \| parenting \| \| paying for college \|
	Six must-know 529 plan rules Even with all of the recent publicity surrounding 529 plans, many families are still confused about how they operate. Click through this slideshow to view the biggest misconceptions according to this year's Annual College Savings Survey. \| slideshow \| \| 529 plans \| \| 529 plan \| \| misconceptions \| \| tax deduction \| \| grandparents \| \| parents \| \| 529 plan rules \| \| tax benefits \| \| higher education \| \| financial aid \|
	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. \| 529 plan \| \| slideshow \| \| scholarships \| \| qualified expenses \| \| financial aid \| \| grandparents \| \| paying for college \| \| college costs \|
	How 7 different assets can affect your financial aid eligibility Before you fill out the FASFA, learn how seven different assets, including 529 college savings plans, can impact your federal financial aid eligibility. \| financial aid \| \| FAFSA \| \| CSS profile \| \| grandparents \| \| paying for college \| \| student loans \| \| saving for college \| \| college savings options \| \| grants \|
	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. \| 529 plan \| \| grandparents \| \| saving for college \| \| college planning \| \| tax benefits \| \| estate planning \| \| financial planning \| \| investment \| \| \|
	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. \| young parents \| \| saving for college \| \| student loans \| \| student debt \| \| paying for college \| \| survey \| \| survey data \| \| paying off debt \|
	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. \| personal finance \| \| parenting \| \| savings \| \| budget \| \| retirement \| \| college \| \| saving for college \|
	10 easy ways grandparents can help pay for college One way grandparents can help their grandchildren on their journey to becoming successful adults is to help fund their college education. Here are ten ways to do this, and the risks and benefits of each. \| grandparents \| \| saving for college \| \| paying for college \| \| financial aid \| \| coverdell \| \| 529 plan \| \| loan \| \| trust \| \| grandchild \| \| estate planning \|
	[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. \| Annual Survey \| \| College Savings \| \| Grandparents \|
	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. \| parenting \| \| quiz \| \| ivyleague \| \| 529plan \|
	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! \| personal finance \| \| parenting \| \| savings \| \| paying for college \| \| saving for college \| \| quiz \|
	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. \| college savings \| \| Sallie Mae \| \| 529 plan \| \| parents \| \| college \| \| paying for college \| \| cost of college \|
	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. \| grandparent-owned 529 plans \| \| 529 plans \| \| financial aid \| \| financial aid eligibility \| \| FAFSA \| \| paying for college \|
	15 facts about financial aid eligibility Feeling overwhelmed by the process of applying for financial aid? Fear not! These fifteen facts can help you determine how much financial aid you may be eligible for. \| financial aid \| \| FAFSA \| \| CSS profile \| \| grandparents \| \| paying for college \| \| student loans \| \| saving for college \| \| college savings options \| \| grants \|
	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. \| Best 529 plan \| \| saving for college \| \| choosing a 529 plan \| \| 529 plan withdrawals \| \| financial aid \| \| grandparents \| \| 529 plan performance \| \| estate planning \|
	[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. \| podcast \| \| college savings \| \| 529 plan \| \| holiday \| \| 529 plan contribution \| \| paying for college \| \| saving for college \| \| grandparents \|
	College: The Ultimate Gift Idea This Holiday Season Grandparents Can Help Fill the College Savings Void \| Gift IDeas \| \| 529 Plan \| \| Grandparents \| \| Survey \| \| Fidelity \|
	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. \| 529 plan \| \| paying for college \| \| 529 plan withdrawals \| \| qualified expenses \| \| cost of attendance \| \| grandparents \| \| tax benefits \|
	Before you open a grandparent 529 account... A 529 college savings plan can be a very effective way for grandparents to build a college fund for their grandchildren. However, there are a few questions grandparents must ask themselves before opening a 529 account. \| saving for college \| \| 529 plan \| \| grandparents \| \| financial aid \| \| FAFSA \| \| 529 plan withdrawals \|
	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. \| grandparents \| \| saving for college \| \| 529 plans \| \| tax benefits \| \| gift tax \| \| investment \| \| \|
	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. \| grandparents \| \| saving for college \| \| paying for college \| \| cost of college \|
	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! \| facebook \| \| photo sharing \| \| proudest parent \| \| college savings \| \| graduation \|
	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. \| 529 day \| \| webcast \| \| college savings \| \| 529 plan \| \| grandparents \| \| estate planning \| \| college planning \|
	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. \| 529 plans \| \| college savings \| \| graduation \| \| graduation gift \| \| 529 plan contribution \| \| state tax benefits \| \| grandparents \|
	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. \| 529 plan \| \| 529 plans \| \| college savings \| \| parents \| \| grandparents \| \| myths \| \| financial aid \| \| scholarships \| \| tax deductions \|
	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. \| 529 \| \| 529 plans \| \| grandparents \| \| pay for college \| \| save for college \| \| student loans \| \| financial aid \| \| required minimum distributions \| \| college savings survey \|
	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. \| 529 plan \| \| 529 plans \| \| college savings \| \| st. patricks day \| \| 529 plan assets \| \| college costs \| \| higher education \| \| grandparents \| \| 529 plan contributions \|
	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. \| grandparents \| \| saving for college \| \| 529 plans \| \| financial aid \| \| gift tax \| \| college \| \| college savings \|

COLLEGE SAVINGS 101

Parent

Despite high student loan balances, Millennial parents are saving for college

What grandparents need to know about the new FAFSA rules

Everything You Need to Know About Parent PLUS Loans

Top college savings stories of 2015

76 percent of families have college funds by first grade

Six must-know 529 plan rules

5 types of students who benefit from 529 plans

How 7 different assets can affect your financial aid eligibility

Eight reasons why grandparents love 529 plans

Is student debt motivating young parents to save for college?

Top 10 financial mistakes millennial parents make

10 easy ways grandparents can help pay for college

[INFOGRAPHIC] Top Misconceptions About College Savings: Do You Know the Answers?

Is your child headed for the Ivy League?

Are you a financially savvy parent?

9 ways America's college savings habits have changed

Ask an expert: How do grandparent-owned 529 plans affect financial aid eligibility?

15 facts about financial aid eligibility

The 25 best 529 plan questions of 2014

[PODCAST] How to give a gift of college savings

College: The Ultimate Gift Idea This Holiday Season

5 reasons to keep your 529 plan open during college

Before you open a grandparent 529 account...

A top college savings resource for grandparents

For many college hopefuls, grandparents coming to the rescue

Facebook contest: Share your proudest moment as a parent or grandparent!

Congratulations to our 529 Day winner: Another great success!

10 reasons to give the gift of college education

Truth be told - Common 529 plan misconceptions

Annual College Savings Survey results: All that you can leave behind

The 529 plan Pot O' Gold is growing!

The Bank of Grandma and Grandpa - New video featuring our very own Joe Hurley!

Parents & Grandparents

Financial Professionals

Top 529 College Savings Plans

COLLEGE SAVINGS 101

Parent

Parents & Grandparents

Financial Professionals

Top 529 College Savings Plans

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