529 Archives - College Countdown

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 12, 2025

Affording College Parenting

Teaching Your Student Financial Intelligence

Too much, and they never learn the value of a dollar. Too little, and they’re stressed instead of studying. The right number isn’t one-size-fits-all, but there is a right way…

David Q. Hao, MA, JDAugust 31, 2025

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

Affording College

When 529 Funds Are Not Needed As Planned

The reasons parents find themselves no longer needing to fully utilize the value of their 529 account most typically relate to the student’s receipt of a full or partial scholarship,…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.August 11, 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

Parenting

Love is Saving for the Long-haul

This was the outcome I had been planning for. It took nearly two decades of saving up, and a relatively few short years of spending, but my sons are now…

Vivian M. Tsai, CIMA®July 8, 2025

Strengthen Your Student’s Growth Mindset

Parenting Student Life

The Summer Before They Leave: Five Conversations to Have

One day, you're excitedly dropping your child off at preschool for a few hours, and the next, you're on the hunt, with a heavy heart, for extra-long twin bed sheets…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.June 24, 2025

Affording College

Preparing for the Unanticipated Costs of Freshman Year

If you’re like many families, you spent a significant amount of money this past school year on college applications and senior year events. And when thinking about the upcoming cost…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.May 31, 2025

Parenting Senior Student

Financial Considerations as Decision Day Nears

Parents and college-bound seniors who have not yet thoroughly discussed the financial elephant in the room will greatly benefit from giving this topic the careful attention it deserves. After all,…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.May 10, 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

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