Using Your 529 Archives - College Countdown

Affording College Using Your 529

The Power of the First Step: Open a 529 and Build Your Future

It sounds simple. That’s because it is. And that’s exactly why so many families wait. We wait for a raise. For the “right” account. For the moment when everything else…

David Q. Hao, MA, JDAugust 17, 2025

Affording College Using Your 529

6 Smart Steps for Parents of Rising Juniors

This is the year when post-secondary pursuits will likely start to feel more “real” -- and a growing sense of what's next may start preoccupying minds. As such, junior year…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.August 17, 2025

Senior Student Using Your 529

Weathering the First-Year Adjustment Phase

First-year students may express specific concerns, for instance, about the quality of food or residence halls, the workload in certain classes, roommate compatibility, or just garden variety homesickness. Some students…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.August 3, 2025

Using Your 529

Reflecting on the Impact of Your 529 Investments

With college in the not-so-distant future, it’s a perfect time to stop and reflect on the positive effects your 529 investments have had -- and will continue to have --…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.August 1, 2025

Affording College Using Your 529

Market Volatility As College Nears: Five Practical Tips

Here are five practical steps you can consider taking to lessen the blow, make the most of your available resources, and keep your child’s education goals on track. 1. Seek…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.April 10, 2025

Using Your 529 Videos

Perks of a Glidepath

A glidepath helps minimize risk so the money you socked away for higher education is more likely to be there when you need it. Watch this video to learn more.…

ScholarShare 529March 6, 2025

Using Your 529

Giving Thanks for 529 Plans

Here are five 529 plan attributes that make them worthy of appreciation this time of year and as college nears: 1. Tax-Free Growth 529 plan tax advantages put them in…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.November 14, 2024

Using Your 529

State Treasurer Fiona Ma Appoints Cassandra DiBenedetto

As Executive Director, DiBenedetto will provide policy, program, and technical direction to the SIB for a program with nearly $16 billion in assets under management and nearly 440,000 accounts through…

ScholarShare 529November 12, 2024

Using Your 529

Options for School Refunds

Depending on the nature and timing of the change in direction, it’s possible that your child could be eligible for a partial refund from the institution they are attending. What…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.October 1, 2024

Using Your 529

529 Withdrawals: Avoid the Pitfalls

Withdrawing funds is straightforward, but these tips can help you avoid common mistakes.* 1. Stick to qualified expenses To avoid federal income taxes and the 10% penalty on earnings, withdraw…

ScholarShare 529September 11, 2024

Senior Student Using Your 529

How To: Requesting Gift Contributions

One of the most unique features of your ScholarShare 529 account is the capability to ask for help from friends and family. Send them a Ugift® Invitation for a special…

ScholarShare 529August 4, 2023

Affording College Junior Student Senior Student Using Your 529

The True Costs of College: Financial Aid 101

It is normal for this part of the equation to feel a bit stressful and overwhelming. I have counseled hundreds of students and families over the years to address questions:…

Laura Reisert Kalinkewicz, Ph.D.August 1, 2023

Using Your 529

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