College/Education Planning
Starting early is an important step you can take to ease the burden of meeting college costs. However, even if your child is approaching high school graduation, there are still some steps you can take to prepare for financing this important asset.
“The Student-Debt Playbook” 20120420WSJ
This article discusses ways that may reduce. rework or eliminate federal student debt.
“Making 529 Plans Work” 20120211WSJ
Because college costs increasing and the stock market is volatile, people are not sure what they should be doing. This article discusses some things to consider when planning how to proceed.
“A High-Rate Deadline Looms” 20111224WSJ
In the right circumstances, this approach may be used for a resrve account and future college expenses.
New Student Debt Repayment Plan
“College Board Release New College Cost Numbers“
“Tuition Jumps 8.3% Doubling Inflation” 20111025B
The increase was higher for public than private 4 year universities.
“Why Companies aren’t getting the Employees they need” 20111024WSJ
“..the real culprits are the employers…” “They want prospective workers to be able to fill a role..without any training…”
“The White House Fact Sheet on Student Loans” 20111025TPI
Starting in 2012 the Department of Education will start to reach out to qualified borrowers.
US News & World Report College Rankings 20110919USN&WR
“Get Smart About College” 20110919WSJ
This article highlights the need to understand how they think. Tips are presented to avoid the cognitive traps.
“The Best Banking Deals for College Students” 20110907SM
Useful information about financial products aimed at college students.
“This Is a Credit Card – Use It Wisely” 20110827WSJ
Authorizing your child as a signer on your credit card may be better than co-signing their credit card.
“Colleges That Help Grads Get Top Salaries“20110811SM
The “Interactive” tab gives a table of the 50 colleges with the highest scores.
“College Condos 101: Parents buying property to cut student housing”20110821CT
This article discuss some of the benefits and pitfalls of purchasing a condo for a college students.
“4 Steps to Financially Prepare Your Student for College” 20110817USN
This primer can help you and your child prepare for college.
“Fixed-Rate Student Loans, With a Catch” 20110817SM
Loans with fixed rates are being offered by some financial institution.
“New Losses for College Savers” 20110812SM
It is important to periodically review the performance of investments that are intended to be used for college expenses. You should also review the current costs and the amounts you are perodiclally investing for college expenses.
Open Interest Rates Drop Slightly On Some Variable Rate Federal Student Loans
“Tuition Hikes Hit Students – almost 20 states cut funding for college…”20110711SM
Illinois mentioned as a state that reduced grants.
“A College-Savings Strategy That Could Flunk Out” 20110702WSJ
It is important to understand the risks and how the policies work when evaluating this strategy.
“College Costs: Which Can You Deduct?” 20110504 SM
A general discussion of the tax status of various college costs
“States worried about viability of prepaid college savings plans” 20110328 IN
Many of the 15 states with prepaid college plans are reviewing the adequacy of the funding for these plans. Illinois is a state that has been looking at alternative approaches to dealing with its shortfall.
“College Savings Gets Trickier” 20110121 WSJ
An summary of various alterntives including: 529 plans, Coverdale Accounts, Trust & Custodial Accounts, Taxable Accounts, Roth IRAs and Savings Bonds.
“Does a 529 plan help or hurt when it comes to financial aid?” 20110121 KC
After stateting “…529 accounts owned by either you or your child are treated as your assets” the article discusses some planning ideas.
“The Most Affordable Colleges in America” 20110107SM
You want to be aware of the colleges discussed in this article.
College Board Releases New College Cost Numbers 2010 Oct.
