Distinguished Contributor Archives

Parenting

Debunking the Headlines: A Closer Look at the Importance of College

Recent Gallup polling reported a sharp decline in how Americans view the importance of a college education: those saying an undergraduate degree is “very important” fell from 75% in 2010…

Mitchel A. BaumFebruary 24, 2026

Parenting

College Pays. Especially in California.

Strata Education Foundation is a nonprofit, founded in 2010, dedicated to strengthening the connection between education and career opportunities. They publish an annual report on the return on investment of…

Mitchel A. BaumFebruary 23, 2026

Parenting Senior Student

The Skills That Get You the Job—and Why College Still Matters

But the question is, which skills? The basic technical skills needed to do most jobs are the price of entry. You don’t get an interview or get past HR unless…

Mitchel A. BaumFebruary 22, 2026

Senior Student Uncategorized

New Year Resolutions for Parents of High School Seniors

The start of the new year is a fitting time to consider some resolutions that can serve you well in the months ahead. Resolve to: 1. Discuss college costs and…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.January 10, 2026

Using Your 529

Inviting Loved Ones to Join You on Your College Savings Journey

As the year winds down, parents of high schoolers may feel excitement for the future mixed with financial worry about whether they’ve yet saved enough for college or started too…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.December 7, 2025

College Admissions

Practicing Discretion During the College Application Journey

As a parent, you’ve undoubtedly watched your child work hard for years -- balancing school, activities, family, and social life, and whatever else has come their way. Now, the time…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.November 6, 2025

Parenting Videos

How Much To Share About Your College Decisions

Wisdom about what and when to share info about your college decisions from college savings advocate, Patricia Roberts. Tips from someone who’s been there–done that. 4974234

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.October 28, 2025

Parenting

Preparing for Your First-Year Student’s Return Home

What’s sometimes overlooked in the preparation process is that the child you dropped off just a few months prior may be returning home transformed in one way or another with…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.October 25, 2025

Affording College

Is College Still Worth It? We Did the Math.

To answer that question, we reviewed the latest financial analyses as well as economic data going back decades. Then we pulled out our pencils and did a bunch of our…

Mitchel A. BaumOctober 23, 2025

Affording College Using Your 529

Celebrating the Many Rewards of Saving with a 529 Plan

By way of background, when our now recent grad was born, his father and I were still repaying a significant amount of student loan debt that we had accumulated to…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.October 20, 2025

Close-up of Benjamin Franklins eyes on the U.S.

Affording College

6 Financial Steps to Avoid When College Costs are Around the Corner

While some routes are better than others, others can have an adverse impact on your family’s financial health. Here are six financial missteps to avoid when college costs are soon…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.October 6, 2025

Parenting Videos

Parent Selfcare

Three self-care tips for parents with teens in their senior year of high school from college savings advocate, Patricia Roberts. Tips from someone who’s been there–done that. 4974234

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.October 4, 2025

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