There’s no question: The cost of college continues to soar,
even when the rest of the economy stagnates, and this reality is
not likely to change any time soon. Fortunately, everyone,
including you, the various governments (federal and state), and the
colleges themselves, are in on this secret, so everyone can plan
and plot, well in advance of that eventual first day of your
child’s freshman year, ways to get that child there, and ways
to help you pay the bills when they happen. Consider this book to
be your accomplice.
529 & Other College Savings Plans For Dummies is
simply a way to find a reasonable solution to a seemingly
unreasonable problem: saving for future college costs in the
sanest, least stressful way possible for you. In keeping with the
theme of stress reduction, you can use this book in a variety of
ways:
* As a reference: It’s all here: the ins, the outs,
the do’s, and the don’ts. The world of college savings
is one of very specific rules, and they’re here, in all their
glory, and they’re all explained.
* As an advisor: It’s a case of the very good
savings techniques, the merely okay savings techniques, and the
truly ugly techniques (which you really want to avoid), and this
book highlights them all.
* As a little light reading: Amazingly enough, the topic
of money can be mildly amusing, and college savings is no
exception. Read this with an eye towards the absurd, and you
won’t go far wrong.
This down-to-earth book is designed to explain the strategies
that are out there to help you save, save, save. There’s no
doubt that the bill will be large; there’s also no question
that, with planning, strategy, and purpose, you can achieve your
goal. To help you get there, this book covers all these vital
topics, and more:
* Evaluating all your resources
* Understanding the basics of Section 529 plans
* Working around the 529 shortcomings
* Contributing to Coverdell accounts
* Choosing savings bonds that work
* Looking at your investment options
* Searching for scholarships, fellowships, and grants
* Tapping into your Roth IRA
* Financial Aid 101
In this one-size-fits-all world, the powers that be have
recognized that all people don’t save money the same way.
Some save more, some save less, some can live with risk, and others
can’t tolerate any risk. Clearly, no two are alike, but
you’re all savers, either present or potential. Numerous
options exist that make saving possible and desirable for everyone.
529 & Other College Savings Plans For Dummies is here to
tell you that it is possible to understand the costs
associated with college, both right now and in the future, and then
find ways to pay for those costs.
Innehållsförteckning
Introduction.
Part I: Figuring Out the Cost of College — and How to
Pay It.
Chapter 1: Braving the New World of College Savings.
Chapter 2: Checking Out the Cost of College.
Chapter 3: Realizing All Your Resources.
Chapter 4: Sharpening Your Savings Techniques.
Part II: Piecing Together Section 529 Plans.
Chapter 5: Laying Down the Basics of Section 529 Plans.
Chapter 6: Applying Section 529 Plans to Your Household.
Chapter 7: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Section 529 Plans.
Part III: Uncovering Coverdell Accounts.
Chapter 8: The Changing World of Coverdell Education Savings
Accounts.
Chapter 9: The Mechanics of Coverdells.
Chapter 10: Figuring the Pluses and Minuses of Coverdell
Accounts.
Part IV: Filling In the Gaps: More Ways to Save for
College.
Chapter 11: Saving for College with Qualified U.S. Savings
Bonds.
Chapter 12: Setting Up Personal Investment Accounts for Yourself
and Your Kids.
Chapter 13: Saving for College in Trust Accounts.
Chapter 14: Saving in Your Retirement Plans: The IRA
Dilemma.
Chapter 15: Selling or Refinancing Your Family’s
House.
Chapter 16: Accessing Scholarships and Awards.
Chapter 17: Turning On the Financial Aid Faucet.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 18: Ten Musts for Successful Savings.
Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Dodge the Tax Code Minefield.
Appendix: Section 529 Plans, State by State.
Index.
Om författaren
Margaret A. Munro, EA, is an experienced professional counselor who helps families pick college savings plans based on their resources and objectives.