If your child decides not to attend college, your 529 plan does not disappear. You have several flexible options to use the funds without penalty, including changing the beneficiary or withdrawing the money (though taxes and a 10% penalty may apply to earnings). This article explains what you can do with a 529 plan when … Read more
A 529 plan can affect financial aid eligibility, but the impact is often smaller than many families fear. The way your 529 plan is counted depends on who owns the account and which financial aid form you fill out. In most cases, a parent-owned 529 plan has a modest effect on aid, while a student-owned … Read more
When saving for college, two popular tax-advantaged options are the Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) and the 529 plan. The main difference is that a Coverdell offers more investment flexibility but has a low annual contribution limit, while a 529 plan allows much larger contributions and may offer state tax breaks. Choosing between a Coverdell … Read more
As of August 2026, the average cost of a four-year public college for in-state students is about $26,000 per year, including tuition, fees, room, and board. That means a child born today could face a total of $104,000 or more by the time they turn 18. A good rule of thumb is to save $200 … Read more
The best way to save for your child’s college from birth is to open a 529 plan as soon as possible. This state-sponsored investment account offers tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses. Starting at birth gives you 18 years of compounding, which can turn small monthly contributions into a significant college fund. … Read more
If you are a parent or caregiver, going back to college can feel overwhelming, especially when you also need to support your family. The good news is that there are many ways to pay for college while supporting a family, from federal grants to work-study programs. This guide explains your options step by step, so … Read more
If you are a parent thinking about going back to school, you likely have questions about how to pay for it. Student finance options for parents going back to school include federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans. This article explains these options in simple terms so you can make a smart plan for your … Read more
Divorce can change how your family applies for financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) uses specific rules to decide which parent’s income counts. This article explains how divorce affects financial aid applications and what you can do to get the most aid possible. Which Parent’s Income Is Used on the FAFSA? … Read more
Having siblings in college can significantly affect your FAFSA financial aid package. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) uses your family size and the number of family members enrolled in college to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This article explains exactly how siblings impact FAFSA, what changes to expect, and how to … Read more
Yes, you can get a financial aid extension if you need more time to graduate, but it depends on your specific aid program and your school’s policies. Federal student aid has a maximum time limit, often called the 150% rule, but there are official ways to request more help. This guide explains the process for … Read more