For parents who are saving for their child’s college education, the main concern is not being able to save enough. The first step is to decide if you’re in the position to help your child. This may sound harsh, but your finances take precedence over your child’s college savings. Goals like paying down your debt, … Read more
A child born today that goes to college will pay over $200,000 in tuition and fees for the privilege. While most students will not pay “sticker price” due to scholarships and grants, you are still talking about a ton of cash. To generate $200,000 in 18 years of investment, you would need to save $4,370 every … Read more
The following is a video post from Jeff Rose, CFP at Good Financial Cents. The video gives a comprehensive overview of 529 College Savings Plan and how it works. Topics covered include: what is a 529 plan, who can contribute to the plan, who has control over the plan, different types of 529 plan, what … Read more
The last few generations of Americans have been indoctrinated with the idea that a college degree is an absolute must-have in today’s economy. While this is mostly true, the answer to “To have a college degree or not to have a college degree, that is the question,” is not so black-and-white as it may first … Read more
Some parents worry about the double edged sword of teens and work. On the one hand, there is some research that suggests teens who work might get lower grades. On the other hand, a teenager who works will probably learn some important life skills. Should your teen work? What is more important – grades or … Read more
Don’t you find it kind of funny when you hear high school students putting off learning about their finances because they think that’s what college is for? Just by talking to younger relatives and high school students in the community I have noticed that many assume they will learn how to handle their personal finances … Read more
For both parents and students, off-to-school shopping can be an important financial lesson that should be shared. It is a prime opportunity for parents to get to teach their kids a few remaining lessons about budgeting and personal finance: two very important lessons college kids should be learning before leaving the nest. Here are fifteen … Read more
Whenever the question of paying for college comes up, it seems to spark a heated debate. Some parents want to pay for it all, others are firm believers that their children should have to put themselves through college, and there is a third group that thinks half and half is a good solution. When we … Read more
On Monday night, I stumbled upon the Dave Ramsey Prime Time on Fox Business Network Show and stopped channel surfing to watch it. I heard about Dave Ramsey through my friends — many of whom greatly admire him (e.g., Ana, Randall, Lynnae, Gibble, and Mrs. Micah). Personally, I like how he helps thousands of people get … Read more