Plan It - Paying for College

Paying For College





   

The University of Ouch!

College costs can be more than a little painful, but with the proper financial planning, you could be whistling your child’s college fight song all the way to the bank.

Federal and state financial aid for college students may be shrinking but tuition costs continue to rise at 4 percent to 6 percent a year, according to the College Board, a nonprofit representing colleges and universities. Based on the College Board’s 2007-2008 tuition report, the price of attending a private university for 4.5 years has reached nearly $103,500. If college costs continue to rise at the current rate, in 10 years that number will be over $200,000  read more...

529-Mania

529s have become one of the most popular college savings options. Here are some basics. Looking to save for college? Take a number, the number 529 to be exact.

College Savings Accounts, or 529s as they’re nicknamed (after the IRS tax code), have become all the rage in recent years. So what are they? And what options do you have when using a 529 to save for your child’s college education?  read more...

The 529 College Savings Plan Made Simple

This new, basic reference includes up-to-date changes in all tax regulations regarding 529 plans. Based on our bestselling The 529 College Savings Plan, this new title gives parents and other relatives the basic information they need about this savings opportunity. Available in an easy-to-read, compact size, this reference can be read thoroughly and quickly, thus affording more families the simple information they need to plan for their children's education.  read more...

Retirement Vs. College Savings: Overcoming the Funding Conundrum

Life is a constant juggling act. Every day we juggle tasks, time, people and goals. This is especially true when it comes to balancing financial goals, whereby time is not the scarce resource, but money is. The future can seem especially daunting for young families balancing retirement funding goals and college planning for their children. When a dollar can only stretch so far, how can you effectively plan for both?  read more...

A Simple Trick for Reducing College Tuition Costs 

As the high school years wind down, parents begin contemplating how they will pay for their children’s college tuition. For those who are tackling this question for the first time, and for some who are tackling the question for the second, third, or fourth time, the mere consideration is enough to turn one’s head prematurely gray. But, for those who receive good advice, gray hair can be postponed for a few more years.  read more...