College Planning
College planning, for parents and child, is about more than saving money. It’s tracking key dates, making big decisions, taking on new responsibilities. We’re here to help you through the entire journey.
We’ll help you untangle the process. Dive into a topic to get trusted insights and actionable steps. Or look ahead to learn what to expect.
Getting started
- Saving for college - Put time on your side and treat college savings like a monthly bill.
- It’s never too early to start planning - Starting early can make a difference, both in terms of the money you contribute over time, and its potential to grow. You may not be on the hook for the entire college bill; some of the other sources to cover college expenses include grants, scholarships, work-study, and contributions from relatives
- Consider accounts with special tax structures to help make the most of your money
- 529 college saving plans
- Uniform Gifts to Minors Act/Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UGMA/UTMA)
- Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA)
College Financial Planning Services Provided:
- College Funding Projection – Through your financial website, a financial projection will be calculated incorporating the percentage of college costs you wish to cover, cost of a college education, current savings, future savings, savings growth, and inflation.
- College Savings – Receive professional guidance regarding how best to fund a child’s college education needs. Evaluate funding alternatives based on your financial position and college funding goals. Primary alternatives reviewed will include 529 accounts (in-state and out of state programs), brokerage accounts and life insurance policies.
- College Investments - Receive asset allocation and investment recommendations for your current college savings accounts. Tax sensitive investing and asset location are incorporated as part of the overall investment review. Recommendations made will be based on your risk tolerance and specific education expense timeframes and objectives.
- Tax Planning – An overview of education tax benefits and if you might qualify based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and tax filing status will be provided.
- Family and Financial Aid Estimate – Calculation of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) amount and review of likely financial aid eligibility
- Alternative Funding Sources- Review of potential school-based merit scholarships for a family.
Additional Resources
Is College Worth It? Understanding the costs and benefits of college