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 11, 2024

Affording College

When 529 Funds Are Not Needed As Planned

The reasons parents find themselves no longer need 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.June 15, 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 8, 2023

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 17, 2023

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

Affording College Senior Student Using Your 529

Applying for Financial Aid

As you are researching where they will apply, you will likely notice the cost differences across all degree-granting institutions. Tuition and fees, books, educational materials (e.g., laptop), technology fees, and…

Oscar Espinoza-Parra, Ph.D.July 29, 2023

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.July 21, 2023

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, 2023

Using Your 529

The Power of Sharing Your 529 Plan Knowledge

We sometimes underestimate the positive impact we can have by sharing what we know about a topic with those who are less familiar. With National “529 Day” approaching (May 29),…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.May 2, 2023

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.April 3, 2023

Affording College

Inflation, the Cost of College, and 4 Things to Do About It.

Many parents may be bracing for bad news about the price of higher education. After all, college costs have been skyrocketing for a long time, more than doubling between 2000…

Mitchel A. BaumMarch 22, 2023

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