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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.
Unsubsidized Student Loan
Definition and overview of an unsubsidized loan for students and educational expenses.
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.
UGMA / UTMA Custodial Accounts
Overview of the withdrawal rules for a UGMA or UTMA custodial account, as well as the treatment of unused funds.
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.
U.S. Treasury T-Bills
U.S. Treasury T-Bills are one of the safest investments available. This article provides information on buying T-Bills, taxability, interest rates, and links to the official U.S. Treasury website for purchases.
Subsidized Student Loan
Definition and overview of a subsidized loan for students and educational expenses.
EFC Guide
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is one of the most crucial numbers in calculating a family's financial aid eligibility.
The Rising Costs of College
A basic overview of the reasons that a college education is becoming too expensive for many Americans. The primary causes examined and explained include inflation, class availability, scholarships, and increased demand for a limited number of enrollment spots.
Check My Student Loan Balances
A brief overview on how to check your student loan balances.
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.
Navy Medical Scholarships
The Air Force Medical Scholarship program (HSPS) pays 100% of graduate level tuition, plus a $1,900 monthly stipend and up to a $20,000 signing bonus.
Paying Loans with Credit Card
A brief overview of repaying your student loan with a credit card.
Guide to 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.
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.
SC 529 Deduction
Virginia offers a $4,000 tax deduction ($2,000 for 2008) to residents who contribute to a Virginia 529 plan. This article includes an overview of the VA 529 deduction, its potential value to taxpayers, and instructions for claiming the deduction.
Student Loan Consolidation
An overview of the calculation of student loan consolidation rates, the interest rate cap, and how to apply for student loan consolidation.
Music Scholarships #1
A list of five music scholarships that every musical student should know about.
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.
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.
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.
NHSC Loan Forgiveness
The NHSC Loan Forgiveness program offers up to $50,000 in student loan forgiveness to medical professionals nationwide.
Overview of Pell Grants
Overview of the Federal Pell Grant Program: Federal Pell Grants are the most widely available type of
Stud. Loan Interest Deduction - 2009
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.
Custodial Account Conversions
An overview of the key points to keep in mind when considering converting a UGMA or UTMA custodial account to a Section 529 plan.
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
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.
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.
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.
GI Bill Education Benefits
The GI Bill Education Benefits program offers to cover nearly $50,000 in college tuition in exchange for a few years of military service. This article provides an overview of the rules and benefits of the GI Bill's education program.
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.
U.S. Savings Bonds for College
A description of the advantages and disadvantages of using U.S. Savings Bonds as a college savings vehicle.
Overview of Perkins Loans
The Federal 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.
PA 529 Deduction
Overview of the PA 529 Plan Tax Deduction: Pennsylvania residents who contribute to a PA 529 plan receive
CA APLE Loan Forgiveness
The CA APLE Program offers up to $19,000 in student loan forgiveness for California teachers through the California Student Aid Commission
Illinois Tax Deduction
Provides overview and rules to receive an Illinois tax deduction for Section 529 college account contributions.
NC 529 Deduction
Overview of the North Carolina 529 Plan Tax Deduction: North Carolina residents who contribute to a North
Student Loan Payment Options
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.
MD 529 Deduction
Overview of the Maryland 529 Plan Tax Deduction: Maryland residents contributing to a Maryland 529 plan
Overview of Federal 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.
Income Based Repayment
The Income Based Student Loan Repayment Program (IBR) has a couple of key drawbacks that every graduate should consider.
College Investments to Avoid
Saving and investing for college must be done carefully since there is little time to make up for mistakes. This article explores some of the most common investments to avoid when saving for someone's future education.
529 Plan 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.
Arkansas Loan Forgiveness
The Arkansas STAR program can provide up to $18,000 in Arkansas student loan forgiveness over three years.
Current Prime Rate Guide
A simple explanation of the difference in the primary interest rates most discussed in relation to the U.S. Federal Reserve. Provides guide to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate, Federal Funds Rate, and Discount Rate.
Applying For Federal Aid
An introduction to the Federal financial aid application process. Provides step-by-step tips on how and when to apply using the Federal FAFSA form.
U.S Treasury Bond Guide
No other investment offers the promise of long-term safety and a competitive yield like the 30-Year U.S.
Teach for Texas Program
The Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance program provides up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness for Texas teachers. Profile includes details on the eligible schools, subject areas, and application requirements.
Tax Carryforward Definition
Definition and overview of the concept of a tax carryforward, which allows a taxpayer to benefit in later years from a deduction or loss that cannot be used in the current year.
Colorado Section 529 Deduction
Overview of Colorado Education Tax Benefits: The State of Colorado is one of just five states that allow
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.
Nursing Scholarships #1
A list of five undergraduate nursing scholarships.
Using the Tuition Deduction - 2009
This article contains an overview of who is eligible for the tuition deduction for college expenses, as well as which expenses qualify.
Army Medical Scholarships
The Army Medical Scholarship program (HSPS) pays 100% of graduate level tuition, plus a $1,900 monthly stipend and up to a $20,000 signing bonus.
OH 529 Deduction
Overview of the Ohio 529 Plan Tax Deduction: Ohio residents who contribute to an Ohio 529 Plan receive
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.
Indiana 529 Tax Credit
Indiana offers a 20 tax credit (not a deduction) to residents who contribute to its in-state Indiana 529 plan. This article includes an overview of the credit, its potential value to taxpayers, and instructions for claiming the credit.
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.
Student Loans Credit Report
: Do Student Loans Go On My Credit Report? : Yes, absolutely! Student loans go on your credit report
American Opportunity Credit
Definition and overview of the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
WI 529 Deduction
Wisconsin offers a $3,000 tax deduction to residents who contribute to a Wisconsin 529 plan on behalf of a child, grandchild, niece, or nephew. This article includes an overview of the WI 529 deduction, its potential value to taxpayers, and instructions for claiming the deduction.
MI 529 Deduction
Overview of the Michigan 529 Plan Tax Deduction: Michigan residents contributing to a Michigan 529 plan
The CSS Profile Form
The CSS Profile Form 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.
Definition of UGMA
Definition and brief explanation of the college savings term, UGMA.
Annual Gift Exclusion Limit - 2010
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.
Florida Teacher Loans
The Florida Loan Forgiveness Program provides up to $10,000 in loan forgiveness for Florida teachers. Profile includes details on the eligible schools, subject areas, and application requirements.
Best College Savings Tips
Many parents don't begin thinking about saving for college until their children are in their teens. This article outlines some of the best college savings tips for parents who need to play catch-up.
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.
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.
MO 529 Deduction
Overview of the Missouri 529 Plan Tax Deduction: Missouri residents contributing to a Missouri 529 plan
Maryland Loan Forgiveness
The Maryland Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers can provide up to $30,000 in student loan forgiveness for certified teachers.
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.
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.
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.
Money Market Risks and Safety
A basic overview of money market safety including an explanation of money market fund structure, FDIC and SIPC insurance, and researching fund safety.
Apply for a FAFSA PIN Number
A brief overview on how to apply for FAFSA PIN number, including links to resources and a step-by-step tutorial.
Exxon Mobile Gas Rewards
UPromise and Exxon Mobil offer a gas rewards program that deposits money into your child's college account every time you buy a gallon of gas at any of Exxon Mobil's 14,000 locations.
Tax Recapture Definition
A tax recapture can occur as a result of certain Section 529 plan distributions. This article provides a definition and overview of the term.
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.
Definition of UTMA
Definition and brief explanation of the college savings term, UTMA.
Consolidation Calculator
Easy-to-use student loan consolidation calculator that shows what a student or parent would pay after consolidation student loans.
U.S Treasury I-Bond Guide
U.S. Treasury I-Bonds offer an attractive alternative to the volatile stock market. This guide provides and overview of I-Bond rules, rates, maturities, purchasing instructions, and taxation.
NIH Loan Repayment
The NIH Loan Repayment program offers up to $35,000 in student loan forgiveness per year to medical professionals performing research.
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.
Stagflation Definition
Stagflation definition and overview.
Top College Planning Mistakes
A list of the top ten saving, investing, and financial aid mistakes made by parents planning for college.
Commercial Paper Markets
The commercial paper market is comprised of very short-term bonds issued by highly rated corporations to help finance need such as operations, payrolls, and production. Article includes overview, sample of issuers, risks, and links to sample rates.
LA START 529 Deduction
Overview of the Louisiana START 529 Income Tax Deduction: Louisiana residents contributing to the state's
Maturity Definition
: The term "maturity" when used to refer to bonds, CD's, and other fixed income investments generally
Definition of Tax Credit
: A "tax credit" is a tax benefit offered by either the IRS or a state / local government for spending
AOTC grad school
Overview of the American Opportunity Tax Credit and graduate school.
Definition of Liquidity
: Liquidity most commonly refers to the ease with which an investment asset (stock, bond, mutual fund,
Ponzi Scheme Definition
A ponzi scheme is an investment scam that often ensnares even the most sophisticated of investors. This article provides a definition and overview of a ponzi scheme.
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.
Community College Cost Savings
Many smart parents are strategically encouraging their kids to take two years of community college prior to going to the school of their choice. Here's an overview of the benefits and the finer points of convincing your student.
Alabama 529 Tax Deduction
Alabama offers a $5,000 state income tax deduction to residents who contribute to its in-state Alabama 529 plan. This article includes an overview of the deduction, its potential value to taxpayers, and instructions for claiming the deduction.
OR 529 Deduction
Overview of the Oregon 529 Plan Tax Deduction: Oregon residents who contribute to an Oregon 529 plan
aotc loan proceeds
Overview of claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit when student loans are used to pay for college.
Stud. Loan Interest Deduction - 2010
Overview and rules for the 2010 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.
Kansas 529 Tax Deduction
Overview of the Kansas 529 Learning Quest Income Tax Deduction: Kansas residents contributing to the
FFEL Loan Program Definition
Definition and overview of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL).
Definition of Tax Deduction
: A "tax deduction" is a tax benefit offered by either the IRS or a state / local government for spending
Student Loan Rehabilitation
The basics of student loan rehabilitation for student loans in default.
Using the Tuition Deduction - 2010
This article contains an overview of who is eligible for the 2010 tuition deduction for college expenses, as well as which expenses qualify.
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.
Bunton Waller Scholarship
The Bunton-Waller Scholarship covers 25% of the in-state tuition for Penn State students.
Obama Opportunity Pell Grants
President Obama announces a number of new programs aimed at helping displaced and unemployed workers get educated, retrained, and find new jobs. Includes expansion of the Pell grant program.
Fixed Annuity for College
Though a fixed annuity can often offer a noticeable higher yield than many other fixed income investments such as bonds and CD's, it's not without a cost. This article reviews the main drawbacks to using a fixed annuity as a college savings investment.
Iowa 529 Tax Deduction
Overview of the Iowa 529 Plan Income Tax Deduction: Currently, Iowa residents contributing to an Iowa
Refundable Credit Definition
Definition and overview of the concept of a refundable credit for taxpayers.
Annual Gift Exclusion Limit - 2009
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.
AOTC Main Guide
Guide to calculating and claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit created by President Obama.
Section 529 Maine Baby Bonus
The Harold Alfond College Challenge contributes $500 to a NexGen Section 529 plan for every Maine baby born after January 1, 2009. This article contains an overview of eligibility, how to claim funds, and rules on use.
Education IRA's - Definition
Definition and overview of the college savings accounts formerly known as Education IRA's.
stafford loan interest rate
Overview of the Stafford Loan Rates for the 2011-2012 school year.
ETF Definition
A definition and overview of Exchange Traded Funds (ETF's).
Lifetime Learning Tax Credit - 2010
Rules regarding the 2010 Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, which is available for all years of a student's post-secondary education.
Fidelity 529 College Rewards
The Fidelity 529 College Rewards Card offers a 1.50% reward on purchases made with the card. Rewards are deposited into a Fidelity Section 529 plan for the child of your choice.
Trustee Scholarship
Eligible Students: PA residents attending a Pennsylvania nursing school Minimum of "B" average Completed
SIPC Insurance Coverage
SIPC Insurance is a Wall Street industry association that protects customer accounts similar to FDIC insurance. Unlike the FDIC though, SIPC is not backed by the government and is subject to different limits than bank accounts. This article gives an overview of SIPC insurance protection, its rules, and its limits.
NE 529 Deduction
Overview of the Nebraska College Savings Plan Tax Deduction: Nebraska residents who contribute to a Nebraska
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.
Hispanic Scholarships
The Hispanic Scholarship Foundation provides more money for Hispanic and Latino students to attend college than any other scholarship foundation. With more than 30 programs providing over $20 million per year in hispanic scholarships, it should be every students' first stop.
TN Teacher Loan Forgiveness
The Tennessee Loan Forgiveness for teachers forgives up to $10,000 in student loans for full-time math and science teachers.
Universal Life Insurance
Definition and brief overview of universal life insurance, which is often recommended as alternative type of college savings account.
Sunset Rule Definition
: A sunset rule is a provision included in a legislative bill that limits the effects of the bill. It
Mississippi Loan Forgiveness
The Mississippi loan forgiveness program for teachers can provide up to $12,000 in student loan forgiveness over four years.
AOTC Main Guide - 2010
Guide to calculating and claiming the 2010 American Opportunity Tax Credit for undergraduate college expenses.
CT Teacher Mortgage Assistance
The Connecticut Teacher Mortgage Assistance Program can help CT teachers to pay off student loans and other debts by securing a low-cost mortgage
Student Loan Calculator
Instructions and overview for the official student loan calculator from the Department of Education. Calculates standard, extended, and graduated student loan repayments for Direct and Direct Plus student loans.
aotc expenses
Overview of what qualified education expenses may be used to claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
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.
Direct Loan Program Definition
Definition and overview of the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program
Budget Rental Car Coupon
Information on the Budget Rental Car coupon code program that not only helps you save money on your rental, but also pays a college tuition reward to your UPromise account.
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.
Vermont 529 Tax Credit
Vermont offers a 10% tax credit (not a deduction) to residents who contribute to a Vermont 529 plan. This article includes an overview of the credit, its potential value to taxpayers, and instructions for claiming the credit.
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.
RI 529 Deduction
Overview of the Rhode Island 529 Plan Tax Deduction: Rhode Island residents who contribute to a RI 529
AOTC Cannot Claim
A description of who CANNOT claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
Four Strategies to Lower Your Tuition Bill
Four tips on cutting down the direct costs of college tuition.
PPACA definition
Definition and overview of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA - HR 3590).
Loan Repayment Calculator
Instructions and overview for the official Income Contingent student loan repayment calculator from the Department of Education. Calculates standard, extended, and graduated student loan repayments for Direct and Direct Plus student loans.
ME 529 Deduction
Overview of the Maine 529 Income Tax Deduction: Maine residents contributing to ANY state's Section 529
Alaska Loan Forgiveness
The Alaska Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers can provide up to $17,500 in student loan forgiveness for highly-qualified teachers.
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.
Texas 529 Plans
Directory of all Section 529 plans that are run by or for the state of Texas.
AOTC Refundable
Overview of when the American Opportunity Tax Credit may be refundable.
Idaho Loan Forgiveness
The Idaho Student Loan Forgiveness program repays the loans of Idaho students who pursue a teaching or nursing career in Idaho.
MT 529 Deduction
Overview of the Montana 529 Plan Tax Deduction: Montana residents contributing to a Montana 529 plan
Hope Tuition Tax Credit - 2010
An overview of the 2010 Hope Scholarship Tax Credit, which was previously available during a student's first two years of college.

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