Patricia A. Roberts Archives - College Countdown

Using Your 529

How 529 Plans Can Help Students Prepare for the Future of Work

While parents worry about rising college costs and return on education investments, students are often concerned about finding a path that they will enjoy, and one that will still be…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.March 16, 2026

College Admissions Parenting

College Decisions and The Power of The Pause

After a long and possibly stressful college search and application process, the desire to wrap it up swiftly can be strong -- but doing just the opposite can be a…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.March 11, 2026

Affording College College Admissions Parenting Senior Student

Minimizing Stress in the Homestretch

Whether faced with indecision about which school to attend, disappointment resulting from a dream school rejection, and/or uncertainty associated with being placed on a waitlist, soon-to-be college students may need…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.March 11, 2026

Parenting

Common Questions About Planning For College

Let's break down three common concerns we hear from parents and identify what you can do to address them. 1. How can I ensure my child applies to schools that…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.March 5, 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

Parenting

Resolutions for Soon-to-be Empty Nesters

Here are five resolutions to guide soon-to-be empty nesters through a transformative year ahead: 1. Reflect on your contributions with pride. While focusing on what’s next for your child, take…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.January 6, 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 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

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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

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