Matthew Illian says young adults should read one personal finance book a year to expand their financial literacy. See what books we would recommend.
Read More...529 College Savings
Education is expensive, so it's best to plan ahead. Here are ways to do that.
Essential Financial Advice for College Graduates
As the wife of a 2013 college graduate and a 2012 college graduate myself, I can boldly say this was the most helpful advice given to me.
Read More...What Is the Deadline for a 529 College Plan Distribution? ($ ?s)
Learn about 529 college savings plan distribution rules before you need to start taking money out of your accounts. This post answers the timing question for those who are using the 529 to reimburse expenses already paid.
Read More...Can ‘True Love’ Survive Student Loans and Lack of Employment?
Such a well-intentioned program which steals our youth, our love, our happiness, our faith and our self-esteem.
Read More...College 529 Savings Plan Distribution Rules ($ ?s)
Q: We have saved money for our grandchildren’s college expenses with 529 plans, and now the first is set to begin. What advice do you have as we begin to make distributions from these accounts?
Read More...Is Federal Student Aid Among the Best or Worst Government Programs?
The unintended consequences of good intentions can do more economic harm than all the mean-spirited greed within capitalism.
Read More...How To Avoid Drowning in College Debt
Debt burdens are relative. For example, a $58k college debt will feel doable to a doctor making $100k+ per year and overwhelming to a lower wage employee. A degree should not cost more than your future earning power will sustain.
Read More...The 85% College Savings Plan
To assess our progress toward funding all three children, I have created age-based benchmarks that I share here.
Read More...Money Questions: Tips for College Freshmen
Q: Our son is headed to Virginia Tech as a college freshman. When it comes to finances, he’s clueless. What financial advice should we offer before we drop him off?
Read More...Get More Bang For College Bucks
Before you spot a single Ivy League or big-name private school, public campuses grab 17 of PayScale’s first 18 spots. Leading is Georgia Tech’s 13.9% return on investment. Next is the University of Virginia’s 13.3%.
Read More...Start Saving for College the Day They Are Born
My youngest is a first-year student at the University of Virginia. My coauthor Matthew’s youngest child was born only a month ago. There is no such thing as saving too early.
Read More...Video: College Planning is Worth a Million Bucks
Four-years of college currently cost $60,000 at a public university. In eighteen years, it may cost more than $145,000. To stay ahead of rising tuition costs, you should plan ahead and save early. Tax-favored 529 accounts can help you provide an excellent college education for your children and grandchildren.
Read More...Learning to Live on Your Own, Part 1
If you’re like most of today’s college graduates, you may find yourself ill prepared for the real world of financial responsibility. You never saw how your parents lived when they were first married and struggling. Consequently, you may be basing your after-school expectations on an upper-middle-class lifestyle. Here is my financial advice for those of you learning to live on your own.
Read More...University Students: Getting Sucked Dry by Credit Cards
Last week we listed the ways university student are enticed into using credit cards. This week we will examine the economical impact of those initially small and convenient monthly payments.
Read More...University Students: Getting Suckered in with Credit Cards
Every University student knows they should have a credit card. You have to have a second form of ID on many financial transactions. You have to have one to establish good credit. And, the more you use them, the more you will accrue bonus points toward cash, mileage credits and various “free gifts”. P.T. Barnum said, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” But it doesn’t have to be you.
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