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The Top Ten College Planning Mistakes Made By Parents

By , About.com Guide

7 of 10

College Planning Mistake #4: Choosing Investments With High Annual Expenses

Choosing Investments With High Annual Expenses

Unfortunately, the cost and expenses of most mutual funds and Section 529 plans seem to require an advanced degree in math to understand. While it might be tempting to overlook this aspect of college planning, making sure your investments are cost-efficient is crucial to ensuring your long-term growth.

While it may not seem like it has a huge effect, an extra 2% in fees may decrease a portfolio’s ending value by up to 50% over a 20-year period. Excessive fees, even on a well-performing portfolio, can greatly increase the amount you’ll have to save to reach your unique college planning goals.

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