Coverdell ESA
Coverdell ESA - The Best Way to Save for K-12 Education Coverdell ESA (formerly called Education IRA) is the most attractive way to save for K-12 expenses, including UGMA/UTMAs and mutual funds. However, there are income requirements that preclude some upper-income...
Colleges Can Save Money by Adopting Better Business Practices
It’s not exactly a newsflash that one of the many ways that U.S.-based businesses are gaining productivity – and saving money – is through outsourcing of certain functions. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some colleges and universities, in searching for ways...
A Tribute to Moms
Our recent online surveys of current and future college parents confirm what we suspected: the majority of our members and supporters at College Parents of America are women, especially among those of you who are actively engaged in our group.
As you might have guessed from my name, I am not.
But I am lucky to have a marvelous Mom, and a wonderful wife who is a great Mom to our two sons, so I thought it appropriate to write a Mother’s Tribute, to all of you out there who are struggling to do your best to support your children on the path to and through college.
Assessing Campus Security
While your child may be eager to visit colleges to check out the dorms, the study and athletic facilities, the food and the social atmosphere, what shouldn’t be overlooked is the level of security provided on campus. Most high school students would not rate this as one of their primary concerns when considering which college to attend, which is why it is often up to their parents to ask important questions about the safety of where their children may be spending the next several years.
A Bigger Tax Break on Tuition for College
Who wants more tax breaks? Everybody.
Who deserves a greater tax break on the cost of college tuition? All current and future college parents and that means you, the members of College Parents of America.
One of our greatest priorities in the coming months will be to push in Congress the dual notion of greater tax deductibility for the cost of college, and universal eligibility for taking advantage of those deductions.
UGMA/UTMA
Overview Prior to 529 plans, UGMA/UTMA was the most tax efficient manner to save for college and transfer wealth to children and grandchildren. UGMA stands for The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, and UTMA stands for The Uniform Transfers to Minors Act. UGMA and UTMA are...
Understanding University Success
At College Parents of America, we strive to provide valuable resource information to our members, as well as vigorous advocacy. While many of my recent columns have centered around some of the key advocacy issues that we are focusing on – to serve you – here in...
Financial Literacy for Parents and Students
Dear Parents:
When your children leave home for college, they will face a host of new experiences and responsibilities. As a parent, you recognize that now they will be “on their own” to tackle life’s basic functions – at the same time that they are adjusting to a new environment and new freedoms. To help your student in this transition, he/she should know the “financial facts of life” before opening that first checking account or making that first purchase on credit.
The Road to Reauthorization
What is the Higher Education Act and, more importantly, why should you care about its upcoming reauthorization?
The Path to Influence
Last week, in this column, I wrote about the upcoming “road to reauthorization” for the Higher Education Act, certain provisions of which are already being considered in the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee, chaired by Rep. John Boehner of Ohio.