Patricia A. Roberts Archives - College Countdown

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

Parenting Senior Student

Essential Money Conversations Before College Drop Off Day

Before college drop-off day, make sure you’ve had an open and honest conversation about the following topics if you haven’t already. 1. The overall cost of college There’s no sense…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.August 4, 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

Parent Tips for Navigating Senior Year

...but with some pre-planning, the long-term rewards of helping your child navigate through this pivotal year can outweigh any short-term stress along the way. Here are four tips to help…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.July 14, 2025

Parenting

A Parent-Use Packing List for College Drop-off Day

...parents of soon-to-be college students could benefit from their own special kind of packing list to help navigate their child’s transition to college and the range of emotions involved. Here…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.June 29, 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

Celebrating Graduates with Overlooked Achievements

For students who have struggled along the way in one way or another, or whose plans are less certain or headline-worthy, it’s possible to feel overshadowed by this season of…

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

Parenting Senior Student

Documents that Provide Peace of Mind

A few issues related to children reaching adulthood can be addressed to help put your mind at ease as you prepare to send your now-adult child off to college. Adjusting…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.May 15, 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

Parenting

Exhaling as Your Collegebound Teen Takes Flight

From campus tours and application season to financial aid forms and the long wait for admissions decisions, to the painstaking task of deciding which school to attend and how to…

Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.May 8, 2025

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