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Saving for college

10 moments for families saving for college.

Name the moment, not the job title. Each one has a hook line to open a post or video with, its ringtone (the letter, bill or date people react to before they think) and what's at stake.

  1. Newborn and first 529

    “Starting a 529 at birth can mean far less to save later. Start small, start now.”
    Ringtone
    The birth announcement
    What's at stake
    Compounding over 18 years.
  2. Choosing a 529 plan

    “Your state's 529 may give you a tax deduction. Check before you pick another state's plan.”
    Ringtone
    The 529 sign-up page
    What's at stake
    State tax benefits vary.
  3. Grandparents want to help

    “Grandparents want to pay for college? How they give matters for aid.”
    Ringtone
    A grandparent's offer
    What's at stake
    529 ownership and financial aid.
  4. High school freshman year

    “Your kid is a freshman. Financial aid looks at income from sophomore year on.”
    Ringtone
    The first day of high school
    What's at stake
    FAFSA uses prior-prior year income.
  5. Filling out the FAFSA

    “FAFSA opens in the fall. Some aid is first-come, first-served.”
    Ringtone
    The FAFSA opening
    What's at stake
    Timing and accuracy affect aid.
  6. Comparing aid offers

    “Two acceptance letters with different aid? Compare the net price, not the sticker.”
    Ringtone
    The award letters
    What's at stake
    Grants versus loans.
  7. Paying for college now

    “Tuition bill due. Which account you pay from affects your taxes and credits.”
    Ringtone
    The tuition bill
    What's at stake
    529 withdrawals and education credits.
  8. Leftover 529 money

    “Your kid got a scholarship. Leftover 529 money has more options than you think.”
    Ringtone
    The scholarship letter
    What's at stake
    Rollovers, beneficiaries and penalties.
  9. Retirement or college

    “Saving for college and retirement at the same time? Retirement comes first.”
    Ringtone
    A budget conversation
    What's at stake
    Loans exist for college, not retirement.
  10. Parent PLUS loans

    “Thinking about Parent PLUS loans? Run the payment against your retirement.”
    Ringtone
    The loan offer
    What's at stake
    Parent debt risk.

Make a video about one See advisors for families saving for college

General education, not financial advice. Check rules and figures against current law before you publish.