College Planning

Whether the child in your life is 13 years old, 10 months old, or due any day, it’s never too soon to start planning. Thinking about the costs involved in a child’s education can be overwhelming, but the earlier you begin saving, the longer your money can work for you. Making prudent investment decisions can also make a big difference.

Help Make College Dreams a Reality

Once upon a time, college was a dream some parents had for their children and a goal youngsters

might have for their future. That was then. Today, college isn’t just a dream; it’s practically a requirement. A bachelor’s degree can mean an income as much as 70% higher than that of someone with only a high school diploma, an advantage that Moneymagazine estimates translates to an additional $1 million in lifetime earnings.

Unfortunately, this greater earning potential is coming with an ever-increasing price tag. Today, the four-year cost of many private colleges is well over $100,000, according to the College Board, and by the year 2020, the cost of a four-year education could be more than $210,000 for a private school and almost $160,000 for a public school.

A college education for your child or grandchild is still attainable, but it is not automatic. The good news is, there are strategies that can help make it happen.

Education Planning Tools

 Although the obstacles may seem numerous, there are ways to begin saving for a college education. Today, education savings vehicles are plentiful and diverse, with a broad range of tax benefits and consequences, financial aid implications, contribution limits, and asset flexibility.

Education Planning Raises Many Questions

• What will he be when he grows up?
• Where will she go to school?
• Will they be the first in the family to attend college?

The most important thing you can do to secure a child’s educational future is to start planning today. Your financial consultant knows the questions to ask and has the answers you need.

Why wait? Schedule a free, no-obligation appointment today, and make the college dream a reality.

Today 4 years of college costs $60,000 plus at a public university, and costs upwards of $250,000 at a private university.

• Statistics show that in 15 years the annual cost of a public university will be $45,000, and a private university will top $80,000.
• Today 60% of college students will take 5-6 years to graduate.
• There are 35 million students in the U.S.
• Several million will enter college this fall.
• College costs are rising at 3 times the rate of inflation.
• 92% of students will need financial aid.
• 100% of parents like you will need financial planning strategies.

Fact vs. Fiction

Fiction: My income is too high, I won't qualify for financial aid.
Fact: Many middle and upper-middle income families do qualify each year.

Fiction: My child did not qualify to win a National Merit Scholarship.
Fact: Need-based aid is based upon income, assets, number of children, etc., and not on academic achievement. We specialize in helping students get both.

Fiction: If my child doesn't qualify for need-based aid, there is no hope.
Fact: There are millions of dollars of merit aid for those with academic, artistic & athletic talent.

Fact: Certain schools may assess your home value, other schools will not. We can show you exactly which schools assess the home value. Our advisors can provide financial options.

Fiction: College Financial Aid people at the schools will help.
Fact: While they can be helpful in some ways, just remember that they are employed by the school whose interests they are hired to protect. Would you want the I.R.S. to do your taxes?

Fiction: It's a simple, easy and fair process.
Fact: Many before you were convinced it's not simple, easy or fair. It is a complex process that requires professional assistance to assist you in your decision making.