If every grandparent around the world has something in common, it’s likely that they love spoiling their grandchildren. If you’re one of them, lavishing these kids with gifts may be one of the biggest joys in your life. Yet it may be time to consider expanding your definition of indulgence. When you begin investing for […]

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So your child has been accepted to his or her dream school—or at least the college that offers the best fit. Congratulations! Now come the bills. It’s time to break open those education savings plans—529 plans, Coverdell accounts, and other college funding sources—and put them into action.  If you’ve been saving diligently for college, you’re […]

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Still smarting from the pain of their own college education costs, a majority of millennial parents say saving for their own children’s college educations is their No. 1 financial priority, ahead of banking funds for emergencies, saving for retirement, and even buying a home. At the same time, millennial parents appear to be losing ground […]

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In today’s world of rising tuition, what’s the value of a college education? It’s an especially pertinent question considering that, among 2016 college graduates who borrowed money to finance their educations, the average student loan balance is $37,173, according to student loan expert Mark Kantrowitz. For millennials, this makes quite a contrast to the student […]

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For kids, the idea of saving money doesn’t come naturally, but there are ways to teach children from an early age how to value money so that when it comes time to save for big-ticket items—cars, college—saving is a reflex. Lacey Manning, founder of LTG Financial in Ocala, Florida, says that when children are as […]

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Do you have a child heading for college in the near (or far) future? It’s exciting to think about all the opportunities a college education can offer, but paying for it might bring back nightmares of that final math exam you once barely passed. That’s why it sometimes pays to learn more about 529 college […]

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If you have children, or if you’ve ever been a student, you know that saving for college is akin to teaching children to brush their teeth—it’s an investment in their long-term well-being. Given the rising costs of college and the debt load many graduates (and their parents) may carry, it may be important to start […]

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Two questions: Do you have kids or grandchildren? Are you looking for a way to potentially reduce your tax burden? Your dear Uncle Sam might be able to help by offering education tax deductions. There are a number of different tax benefits for education, but they fall into two general categories: Tax-advantaged college savings plans. […]

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Key Takeaways File a FAFSA for every tax year your child will be in college Understand which assets count toward the expected family contribution (EFC) calculation    Learn some strategies that might help lower your EFC Is college looming for your children? Then it’s time to become familiar with the phrase “expected family contribution” (EFC). […]

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Key Takeaways Growth in a 529 plan is federally tax deferred You can contribute $75,000 all at once without paying the gift tax These accounts can help pay for elementary, high school, or college When you think of investment accounts, an education savings plan may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But if […]

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