Saving for College: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Student Loan Forgiveness
Student loan forgiveness and repayment programs are one of the quickest ways to eliminate your college debts. In addition to links to the major student loan forgiveness directories, this article gives an overview of the types of programs and their taxability.
Student loan forgiveness and repayment programs are one of the quickest ways to eliminate your college debts. In addition to links to the major student loan forgiveness directories, this article gives an overview of the types of programs and their taxability.
Annual Gift Exclusion Limit
A guide to understanding the annual gift tax exclusion limit often used by parents and grandparents to transfer wealth to children. The article includes an overview of college planning applications for the exclusion.
A guide to understanding the annual gift tax exclusion limit often used by parents and grandparents to transfer wealth to children. The article includes an overview of college planning applications for the exclusion.
Understanding Stafford Loans
Stafford Loans are one of the most important tools used to help pay for a college education. This article takes a look at maximum loan amounts, interest rates, subsidized versus unsubsidized loans, repayment terms, and the application process.
Stafford Loans are one of the most important tools used to help pay for a college education. This article takes a look at maximum loan amounts, interest rates, subsidized versus unsubsidized loans, repayment terms, and the application process.
Overview of Plus Loans
PLUS Loans are an important tool used to help absorb any remaining college costs after other types of financial aid. This article takes a look at maximum loan amounts, interest rates, undergraduate versus graduate, Direct Loan versus FFEL, repayment terms, and the application process.
PLUS Loans are an important tool used to help absorb any remaining college costs after other types of financial aid. This article takes a look at maximum loan amounts, interest rates, undergraduate versus graduate, Direct Loan versus FFEL, repayment terms, and the application process.
UGMA / UTMA Custodial Accounts
Overview of the withdrawal rules for a UGMA or UTMA custodial account, as well as the treatment of unused funds.
Overview of the withdrawal rules for a UGMA or UTMA custodial account, as well as the treatment of unused funds.
Overview of Perkins Loans
Perkins Loans are the most desirable of student loan programs, available for both undergraduate and graduate studies. This article gives an overview of the maximum loan amounts, interest rates, repayment terms, and the application process.
Perkins Loans are the most desirable of student loan programs, available for both undergraduate and graduate studies. This article gives an overview of the maximum loan amounts, interest rates, repayment terms, and the application process.
Basics of Section 529 Plans
A basic overview of the popular Section 529 College Savings Plans. Includes a basic look at their history, benefits, and rules.
A basic overview of the popular Section 529 College Savings Plans. Includes a basic look at their history, benefits, and rules.
Applying For Federal Aid
Overview and tips for obtaining your FAFSA PIN number.
Overview and tips for obtaining your FAFSA PIN number.
Choosing a College Account
Choosing the right type of college savings account can be intimidating. This guide walks you through what type of savings account might be right for you based on your risk tolerances, ability to save, and potential tax benefits.
Choosing the right type of college savings account can be intimidating. This guide walks you through what type of savings account might be right for you based on your risk tolerances, ability to save, and potential tax benefits.
Credit Card Opt-Out
College students and credit cards are generally a very bad combination. College students tend to impulsively use credit cards to finance a fun lifestyle, while simultaneously being targets for identity thieves. Learn how to quickly opt-out of receiving new credit card offers in the mail and cut down on the potential for credit card headaches.
College students and credit cards are generally a very bad combination. College students tend to impulsively use credit cards to finance a fun lifestyle, while simultaneously being targets for identity thieves. Learn how to quickly opt-out of receiving new credit card offers in the mail and cut down on the potential for credit card headaches.
FAFSA Financial Aid Calculator
If you've been curious about your Federal financial aid eligibility, you've got to check out Fafsa4Caster.com. This FAFSA calculator is run by the Department of Education and will give you the best aid estimate you can find on the web.
If you've been curious about your Federal financial aid eligibility, you've got to check out Fafsa4Caster.com. This FAFSA calculator is run by the Department of Education and will give you the best aid estimate you can find on the web.
Section 529 Savings Plan
An overview of what college expenses a Section 529 plan can cover, as well as the its effect on financial aid.
An overview of what college expenses a Section 529 plan can cover, as well as the its effect on financial aid.
Choosing a Section 529 Plan
With over sixty Section 529 college plans available to investors, it is important to examine the features that really matter to your financial situation. This article takes a look at in-state versus out-of-state plans, prepaid tuition versus savings plans, contribution limits, and management fees.
With over sixty Section 529 college plans available to investors, it is important to examine the features that really matter to your financial situation. This article takes a look at in-state versus out-of-state plans, prepaid tuition versus savings plans, contribution limits, and management fees.
MAGI: Definition & Calculation
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is a measure used by the IRS to determine eligibility for a number of deductions, credits, and participation in certain types of retirement accounts. This page gives a brief overview of calculating your MAGI.
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is a measure used by the IRS to determine eligibility for a number of deductions, credits, and participation in certain types of retirement accounts. This page gives a brief overview of calculating your MAGI.
Montgomery GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill offers a significant amount of money for college expenses (almost $40,000) in exchange for a few years of U.S. military service. This article provides an overview of the rules and benefits of the program.
The Montgomery GI Bill offers a significant amount of money for college expenses (almost $40,000) in exchange for a few years of U.S. military service. This article provides an overview of the rules and benefits of the program.
UGMA and UTMA Rules
This article answers questions about withdrawing college savings for non-college costs, like paying a family's bills. It covers the unique rules, penalties, and taxes for UGMA / UTMA accounts, Section 529 Plans, and Coverdell ESA's
This article answers questions about withdrawing college savings for non-college costs, like paying a family's bills. It covers the unique rules, penalties, and taxes for UGMA / UTMA accounts, Section 529 Plans, and Coverdell ESA's
U.S. Savings Bonds for College
A description of the advantages and disadvantages of using U.S. Savings Bonds as a college savings vehicle.
A description of the advantages and disadvantages of using U.S. Savings Bonds as a college savings vehicle.
Tuition Promise Programs
Tuition Promise Programs, which promise to pay tuition for virtually all of a town's children, are beginning to pop up around the country. Learn more about these programs being pioneered in cities like El Dorado, Kalamazoo, Pittsburgh, and the state of West Virginia.
Tuition Promise Programs, which promise to pay tuition for virtually all of a town's children, are beginning to pop up around the country. Learn more about these programs being pioneered in cities like El Dorado, Kalamazoo, Pittsburgh, and the state of West Virginia.
Calculate College Savings
An in-depth explanation of calculating the future costs of college, as well as the necessary savings to cover a shortage in funds. This step-by-step calculation helps you to incorporate inflation, financial aid, and existing savings accounts.
An in-depth explanation of calculating the future costs of college, as well as the necessary savings to cover a shortage in funds. This step-by-step calculation helps you to incorporate inflation, financial aid, and existing savings accounts.
Overview: The CSS PROFILE
The CSS PROFILE is used by over 600 colleges and universities to determine financial aid eligibility for non-Federal programs. This article gives an overview of the form, its costs, and its aid formula.
The CSS PROFILE is used by over 600 colleges and universities to determine financial aid eligibility for non-Federal programs. This article gives an overview of the form, its costs, and its aid formula.
Federal Student Loans
An overview of the most popular Federal student loan programs, including who is eligible for the loan and what kind of loan terms students can expect.
An overview of the most popular Federal student loan programs, including who is eligible for the loan and what kind of loan terms students can expect.
Coverdell ESA's
An in-depth profile of Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (formerly known as Education IRA's). Identifies the ideal type of investor, advantages, disadvantages, eligibility, contribution limits, tax benefits, deadlines, and effects on financial aid.
An in-depth profile of Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (formerly known as Education IRA's). Identifies the ideal type of investor, advantages, disadvantages, eligibility, contribution limits, tax benefits, deadlines, and effects on financial aid.
UPromise and BabyMint Programs
The UPromise and BabyMint programs make contributions to a college savings account for your child every time you shop at thousands of retailers. The programs are free to join and can help parents accumulate thousands of dollars of savings for college costs.
The UPromise and BabyMint programs make contributions to a college savings account for your child every time you shop at thousands of retailers. The programs are free to join and can help parents accumulate thousands of dollars of savings for college costs.
Colorado Section 529 Deduction
The State of Colorado offers its residents an "unlimited" deduction for contributing money to one of the state's Section 529 plan options. Combined with the Colorado Matching Grant program, this makes for an extremely attractive savings option for parents in Colorado. This article reviews the rules and guidelines for claiming this deduction.
The State of Colorado offers its residents an "unlimited" deduction for contributing money to one of the state's Section 529 plan options. Combined with the Colorado Matching Grant program, this makes for an extremely attractive savings option for parents in Colorado. This article reviews the rules and guidelines for claiming this deduction.
Georgia Section 529 Deduction
The state of Gerogia offers a substantial tax deduction to its residents for contributing to the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan. This article contains an overview of the deduction, rules for claiming, and sources of more information.
The state of Gerogia offers a substantial tax deduction to its residents for contributing to the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan. This article contains an overview of the deduction, rules for claiming, and sources of more information.
Section 529 State Deductions
The majority of states that offer Section 529 plans also offer a deduction to their residents for using them. This article contains a list of the various states and their respective deductions or credits.
The majority of states that offer Section 529 plans also offer a deduction to their residents for using them. This article contains a list of the various states and their respective deductions or credits.
Repaying Student Loans
Many soon-to-be graduates avoid thinking about repaying their students loans. But, with numerous payment plans to choose from, most graduates can find a payment option that works with their budget. This article gives an overview of the repayment options for Stafford, Perkins, and PLUS Loans. It also examines important terms like grace period, forbearance, deferment, consolidation, and loan forgiveness.
Many soon-to-be graduates avoid thinking about repaying their students loans. But, with numerous payment plans to choose from, most graduates can find a payment option that works with their budget. This article gives an overview of the repayment options for Stafford, Perkins, and PLUS Loans. It also examines important terms like grace period, forbearance, deferment, consolidation, and loan forgiveness.
Crummey Education Trusts
An in-depth profile of Crummey Education Trusts. Identifies the ideal type of investor, advantages, disadvantages, eligibility, contribution limits, tax benefits, deadlines, and effects on financial aid.
An in-depth profile of Crummey Education Trusts. Identifies the ideal type of investor, advantages, disadvantages, eligibility, contribution limits, tax benefits, deadlines, and effects on financial aid.
AK T. Rowe Price Section 529
The state of Alaska offers multiple Section 529 Savings Plans. This article contains a review of the features, rules, costs, and investment options of the T. Rowe Price plan offered by Alaska.
The state of Alaska offers multiple Section 529 Savings Plans. This article contains a review of the features, rules, costs, and investment options of the T. Rowe Price plan offered by Alaska.
Stud. Loan Interest Deduction
Overview and rules for the Student Loan Interest Tax Deduction. Includes an in-depth review of who may claim the deduction, the income limitations for eligibility, and links to the relevant IRS Publications.
Overview and rules for the Student Loan Interest Tax Deduction. Includes an in-depth review of who may claim the deduction, the income limitations for eligibility, and links to the relevant IRS Publications.
Overview of Deducting Tuition
Tuition and fees paid to an eligible institution on behalf of yourself, your spouse, or a dependent may be deductible on your Federal income tax return. This article contains an overview of who is eligible for the Tuition and Fees Deduction, as well as which expenses qualify.
Tuition and fees paid to an eligible institution on behalf of yourself, your spouse, or a dependent may be deductible on your Federal income tax return. This article contains an overview of who is eligible for the Tuition and Fees Deduction, as well as which expenses qualify.
EFC Guide
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is one of the most crucial numbers in calculating a family's financial aid eligibility.
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is one of the most crucial numbers in calculating a family's financial aid eligibility.
Section 529 Prepaid Tuition
An in-depth profile of Section 529 Prepaid Tuition plans. Identifies the ideal type of investor, advantages, disadvantages, eligibility, contribution limits, tax benefits, deadlines, and effects on financial aid.
An in-depth profile of Section 529 Prepaid Tuition plans. Identifies the ideal type of investor, advantages, disadvantages, eligibility, contribution limits, tax benefits, deadlines, and effects on financial aid.
Tuition, Room, and Board
A breakdown of the three primary costs of college: tuition, room, and board. Includes a look at how tuition is calculated, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of on and off-campus housing and meal plans.
A breakdown of the three primary costs of college: tuition, room, and board. Includes a look at how tuition is calculated, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of on and off-campus housing and meal plans.
Lifetime Learning Tax Credit
An overview of the basic rules regarding the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, which is available for all years of a student's post-secondary education.
An overview of the basic rules regarding the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, which is available for all years of a student's post-secondary education.
Definition of UGMA
Definition and brief explanation of the college savings term, UGMA.
Definition and brief explanation of the college savings term, UGMA.
College Planning Professionals
A Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) is a credential awarded to individuals who have completed a training course focusing solely on college planning issues. This article explores the strengths and limitations of the CCPS designation.
A Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) is a credential awarded to individuals who have completed a training course focusing solely on college planning issues. This article explores the strengths and limitations of the CCPS designation.
IRA's as College Accounts
An in-depth look at the use of Traditional and Roth IRA's as college savings vehicles. Identifies the ideal type of investor, advantages, disadvantages, eligibility, contribution limits, tax benefits, deadlines, and effects on financial aid.
An in-depth look at the use of Traditional and Roth IRA's as college savings vehicles. Identifies the ideal type of investor, advantages, disadvantages, eligibility, contribution limits, tax benefits, deadlines, and effects on financial aid.
Overview of Pell Grants
Pells Grants are one of the most desired types of financial aid awards. Not only can they pay for a substantial portion of college costs, but they never have to be repaid. Due to their highly desirable nature, these awards have complex rules surrounding who can qualify based on a family's "Expected Financial Contribution".
Pells Grants are one of the most desired types of financial aid awards. Not only can they pay for a substantial portion of college costs, but they never have to be repaid. Due to their highly desirable nature, these awards have complex rules surrounding who can qualify based on a family's "Expected Financial Contribution".
E*Trade Coverdell ESA Review
A review of the Coverdell Education Savings Account offered by E*Trade. Includes an analysis of fees, investment options, and required minimum balances.
A review of the Coverdell Education Savings Account offered by E*Trade. Includes an analysis of fees, investment options, and required minimum balances.
Idaho Section 529 Deduction
The state of Idaho offers up to $8,000 in tax deductions to its residents for contributing to the Idaho IDeal 529 Savings Plan. This article contains an overview of the deduction, rules for claiming, and sources of more information.
The state of Idaho offers up to $8,000 in tax deductions to its residents for contributing to the Idaho IDeal 529 Savings Plan. This article contains an overview of the deduction, rules for claiming, and sources of more information.
New York Section 529 Deduction
The state of New York offers a substantial tax deduction to its residents for contributing to the New York State Direct Plan. This article contains an overview of the deduction, rules for claiming, and sources of more information.
The state of New York offers a substantial tax deduction to its residents for contributing to the New York State Direct Plan. This article contains an overview of the deduction, rules for claiming, and sources of more information.
Arizona Section 529 Deduction
Arizona is one of the few states that allows its residents to deduct a contribution to any state's Section 529 plan, not just the Arizona Family College Savings Program. This article contains an overview of the rules for claiming this deduction.
Arizona is one of the few states that allows its residents to deduct a contribution to any state's Section 529 plan, not just the Arizona Family College Savings Program. This article contains an overview of the rules for claiming this deduction.
Definition of UTMA
Definition and brief explanation of the college savings term, UTMA.
Definition and brief explanation of the college savings term, UTMA.
Definition: FAFSA Application
FAFSA is a common term thrown around by many college students, parents, planners, and financial aid professionals. This provides a definition of the term, which is actually an acronym for a financial aid form.
FAFSA is a common term thrown around by many college students, parents, planners, and financial aid professionals. This provides a definition of the term, which is actually an acronym for a financial aid form.
Connecticut CHET Deduction
Connecticut offers its residents a substantial deduction for contributing money to the Connecticut CHET savings program. This article reviews the rules and guidelines for claiming this deduction.
Connecticut offers its residents a substantial deduction for contributing money to the Connecticut CHET savings program. This article reviews the rules and guidelines for claiming this deduction.
2007 IRS Education Tax Links
A list of links to important IRS publications and guides concerning deductions and tax credits for college expenses.
A list of links to important IRS publications and guides concerning deductions and tax credits for college expenses.
Section 529 Benefits Sunset
Many parents using Section 529 plans have no idea that the primary tax benefit of these accounts was set to expire in 2010. This article gives an overview of the permanent repeal of the "sunset" provisions originally included with Section 529 savings plans.
Many parents using Section 529 plans have no idea that the primary tax benefit of these accounts was set to expire in 2010. This article gives an overview of the permanent repeal of the "sunset" provisions originally included with Section 529 savings plans.
AL Higher Education Sec. 529
The state of Alabama offers a single Section 529 Savings Plan option. This article contains a review of the features, rules, costs, and investment options of the Alabama Higher Education Section 529 Fund.
The state of Alabama offers a single Section 529 Savings Plan option. This article contains a review of the features, rules, costs, and investment options of the Alabama Higher Education Section 529 Fund.
Arkansas College Tax Benefits
Arkansas offers a substantial state income tax deduction for helping to fund your child's college education. The deduction requires you to contribute to the Arkansas Section 529 Plan (GIFT). This article provides an overview of the rules for claiming the deduction, as well as links to the necessary state documents.
Arkansas offers a substantial state income tax deduction for helping to fund your child's college education. The deduction requires you to contribute to the Arkansas Section 529 Plan (GIFT). This article provides an overview of the rules for claiming the deduction, as well as links to the necessary state documents.
Hope Tuition Tax Credit
An overview of the basic rules regarding the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit, which is available during a student's first two years of college.
An overview of the basic rules regarding the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit, which is available during a student's first two years of college.
D.C. Section 529 Deduction
The District of Columbia offers a substantial tax deduction to its residents for contributing to the D.C. College Savings Plan. This article contains an overview of the deduction, rules for claiming, and sources of more information.
The District of Columbia offers a substantial tax deduction to its residents for contributing to the D.C. College Savings Plan. This article contains an overview of the deduction, rules for claiming, and sources of more information.
Community College Fin. Aid
Financial aid isn't just for four-year college students. This article is gives an overview of the major programs that provide financial aid to community college students.
Financial aid isn't just for four-year college students. This article is gives an overview of the major programs that provide financial aid to community college students.
Saving for College - Articles
An index of Articles for the Saving for College guide site.
An index of Articles for the Saving for College guide site.
Aspiring Scholars Program
The Aspiring Scholars Program is one of the most generous programs offered by any state to help parents save for their children's college educations. Residents of Arkansas who contribute to the Arkansas Section 529 GIFT plan may be eligible to receive up to $500 in matching funds from the state. This article contains an overview of the program, eligibility rules, and instructions on applying.
The Aspiring Scholars Program is one of the most generous programs offered by any state to help parents save for their children's college educations. Residents of Arkansas who contribute to the Arkansas Section 529 GIFT plan may be eligible to receive up to $500 in matching funds from the state. This article contains an overview of the program, eligibility rules, and instructions on applying.
Age-Based Account Options
Many Section 529 savings plans offer "age-based" investment options. Provides brief definition and overview of the term.
Many Section 529 savings plans offer "age-based" investment options. Provides brief definition and overview of the term.