College Financing
Many parents and students look for college financing information daily. With planning and careful research, you can successfully find college financing avenues that are available from many sources.
The government expects parents to contribute to the cost of college. This means that parents need to develop a plan, and invest their money wisely so that sufficient funds will be available when it’s time to pay for college.
Investing early helps parents maximize their financial gains. But it is never too late to start saving. Below are several investment vehicles that parents might want to consider and discuss with a financial adviser. (Keep in mind that plan availability and restrictions can vary by state.):
529 college financing savings plans - Federal income taxes are not applied to deposits or qualified withdrawals. Allowed annual investment in the account is considerably higher than for many of the other plans, and relatives may contribute.
Prepaid tuition plans - Under this type of plan, credit hours or semesters are purchased at today’s prices and are then redeemed in the future, regardless of cost increases. These plans are usually limited to tuition and fees. Typically, the beneficiary has to live in the state of the plan in which they are enrolled.
Roth IRA - Assets grow tax-deferred; after five years, funds can be withdrawn tax-free for individuals who are at least 59½ years old and spent any way the contributor desires. There are limitations on how much can be invested annually.
Education IRA (Coverdell Education Savings Accounts)-Assets grow tax-deferred. The funds may be used towards qualified expenses (such as tuition, fees, books, etc.) in elementary, secondary, or higher education. An additional benefit is that corporations and other entities are allowed to make contributions.
Uniform Gifts/Transfer to Minors Act Accounts - These accounts allow parents or relatives to transfer or gift assets to a minor–even real estate or art. When the child becomes a legal adult, he or she has full control over the account. Withdrawals from the account may be used for any purpose.
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