education planning

Illustration of a graduate wearing a mortarboard and gown. A red price tag with a dollar sign hangs from the mortarboard, symbolizing the cost of education and highlighting the importance of 529 plans. The background is a solid light blue.

529 Plans: Student Loans Are Now Qualified Education Expenses

Each year the calendar provides a subtle reminder of the benefits of a section 529 college savings plan.  These plans offer tax-free growth of invested money as long as the funds are used for qualifying education expenses. In addition, many states offer tax deductions or credits for contributions made to eligible plans. The definition of qualified expenses within 529 plans has been expanded in recent years thanks to three pieces of legislation. All three changes

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A graduation cap with a gold tassel sits atop stacks of green dollar bills bound with red elastic bands. Gold coins are scattered around the base of the bills, signifying the financial aspects of education and 529 plans.

529 Plans Redux

Each year on May 29 the calendar reminds us of the 529 educational savings plan, and opportunities to fund the plan.  However, many people funded 529 plans years ago and are now ready to withdraw the funds for their intended use. Distributed properly, all the earnings in the plan can be income tax free as long as the funds are used for Qualified Higher Education Expenses (QHEE).  However, as is sometimes the case, the devil

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A white piggy bank wearing a black graduation cap with a yellow tassel, symbolizing 529 Savings Plans. A dollar bill is sticking out from the slot on its back, set against a blue background.

The Benefits of 529 Savings Plans

Education costs continue to rise and the task of saving for college or trade school becomes more daunting each year. Fortunately, there is a village of supporters who want to help a child save for their education, including the ancillary expenses required to have a full and enriching educational experience. One of the most efficient and effective ways to accomplish this is by using 529 Savings Plans. 529 Savings Plans 529 Savings Plans are education

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A young woman holding a pencil interacts with an elderly woman and a toddler. The elderly woman is smiling and pointing at something on the table, perhaps discussing the benefits of a 529 College Savings Plan, while the curious toddler looks engaged. They are sitting together in a bright, cozy setting.

Turn a 529 College Savings Plan into a Family Legacy

Have you dreamed of leaving a legacy for your grandkids and future generations? Such a legacy does not require a vast fortune or risky investments. Instead, you can give your grandchildren the gift of opportunity (and money). Simply push the use of the 529 College Savings Plan to its fullest potential. Standard Use of the 529 College Savings Plan In case you’re not familiar with the primary benefit of the 529 Savings Plan, it is

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A graduation cap rests on top of a large pile of U.S. hundred-dollar bills, signifying the cost or value of education and highlighting the importance of educational savings plans.

529 Education Savings Plans – Are they for you? 

Education costs continue to rise and the task of saving for college or trade school becomes more daunting each year. Fortunately, there is a village of supporters who want to help a child save for their education, including the ancillary expenses required to have a full and enriching educational experience. One of the most efficient and effective ways to accomplish this savings goal is by using a 529 plan.   State Affiliated plans are open to

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