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College Savings Plans
By: Vanessa McHooley
College Savings Plans
So you have just carried your newborn into the house for the first time, placed
him or her down into the freshly-purchased crib that you just obtained, and
watched him or her drift into their first sleep under your roof. Now it’s time
to head downstairs by the fire, cuddle up with your spouse, and start discussing
college plans for this new little tyke. Wait, college plans? That’s right. It is
never too early to start planning the future out for your child, especially with
the way that college tuition is elevating to new heights with every passing
year. Before you start planning though, it is important to know your options as
new parents to a potential college student (even if he or she is just a few days
old!).
Start A College Savings Plan Through Your Bank
Your first option when learning about college savings plans for your child may
be to contact your local bank and discuss the possibilities of opening up a
special college savers’ fund for your child. Not all banks have them readily
available for customers, but check with yours to see if this is an option. If
not, you will then have to contact specific companies that deal with college
savings plans, such as the Section 529 state college savings plans. Such a plan
enables you, as new parents, to start stashing money away now, so that junior
can attend your state college once he or she is of age to do so.
Planning For Your Child’s Future
It is not important that you rush into a college savings plan, but rather, that
you find a plan that works for you over time! Many college savings plans are
available for new parents through a variety of companies that can be found
through either a financial advisor or through searches on the internet. Take all
things into account. Will your child want a public or private education? Will
your child attend school in-state or out-of-state? Obviously, these answers will
only be hypothetical for now (he/she is just a few days old, remember!), but
just enter the entire process with an open mind. You have 18 years to save for
college – but you can start too early!
This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that
getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to
helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as
possible. We invite you to learn more about College Savings Plans at
http://www.NextStudent.com. |