Posts Tagged ‘College’

Why 529 plans are NOT the best choice for college savings

Posted by Samantha Martinez on April 22nd, 2010

With high educational expenses the parents have started investing in 529 Plan to secure the future of their child. College and tuition expenditure is going sky high so the parents invest in these plans to assure decent education for their children. Before taking up these plans everyone should be aware of the side effects of such investments.

It is essential to realize that the 529 funds are often at risk to unstable changes in the market. As market is suffering from economic downturn, the importance of 529 Plan has declined. It even failed to meet the expectations during the fiscal depression as it worn out the value of the 529 plan. The financial managers weaken their investment to confine exposure to high risk financial assets.

In order to reap the result of the plan the parents need to invest for their child at an early age.

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Retirement is Top Priority. College Comes Second

Posted by Samantha Martinez on April 4th, 2010

It’s only natural: you want your kids to have it better than you did. So how do you balance paying for college and investing for your retirement? Collective wisdom says retirement is your top priority, if not your only priority. Selfish? Not at all. Look at some of the pros and cons:

Why retirement is your top priority:

  • No one but you can fund your retirement. 
  • No grants, no scholarships, no low-interest loans.
  • Run short of funds in your golden years? Your options may be limited: keep working (if health allows), reverse mortgage your home or get help from family.
  • 20-plus years of retirement costs more than four years of college.
  • Like most investing, the more time you have, the more growth potential and dividend reinvestment you may get.

Why college comes second:


  • Your kids can help.

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