College Savings Plans

College Savings Plans

College costs are an ever-increasing burden for families. The combination of tuition/fees, books, room and board, transportation, and other expenses has been rising at nearly double the pace of inflation for years. Meanwhile, financial and merit aid have been getting harder to qualify for. We can help you work through the different sources of college financing available to you and your student, and design the roadmap for you to build what you need to pay for your college plans.

Common questions:

  • Should I save for my own retirement or for my kids’ college first?
  • What is a reasonable goal for college savings? Should we pay all? None? Make the student earn part of it?
  • What are the different types of college loans (such as Stafford, Perkins, Plus, private) and how do we qualify?
  • What do college aid offices do with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? How much will the FAFSA formula expect me to pay for my student’s college expenses?
  • How does the CSS/Financial Aid Profile differ from the FAFSA, and who uses it?
  • Should I pay someone to help me find scholarships?
  • What are the features of a 529 (Qualified Tuition Program) or prepaid tuition plan? Coverdell education savings account? Uniform Gifts to Minors (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors (UTMA)?

We assist you with all issues like these as we prepare a college savings plan that is tailored to your goals and values.