Wading Through the Financial Aid Options for College Students

The world of financial aid is often one of the most dreaded parts of getting ready to go off to college. Unless you have been offered a full tuition scholarship well ahead of graduation, chances are you will have to do the work of getting financial aid to fund your college years.

Financial aid can definitely be one of the more confusing aspects of going to college. Here are some tips to help you wade through the financial aid options for college students.

Your First Stop – Fill out the FAFSA Form

What is the FAFAS form? As most college students know, the FAFSA should be your first stop on the road to securing financing for your college years. The FAFSA form is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a federal form that you should fill out roughly a year before you plan to attend college or university.

The FAFSA form will ask you for personal information and information about your family’s income. By filling out the FAFSA in a timely manner, you automatically become eligible for federal student aid, which may include Pell Grants (aka, free money), subsidized student loans, unsubsidized student loans, and financial aid in the form of work-study funds. Pick up the FAFSA form at your local library or college financial aid office. You can even fill out the FAFSA form online.

Seeking Out Private Funding Sources

Another very popular option is to seek out financial aid in the form of private funding sources. Private funding may mean seeking out scholarship assistance from private companies, which can range from the local supermarket chain to a major bank corporation.

Most of these private funding sources require that apply with them directly for a scholarship contest of some kind, which may include an essay competition or simply an application with reference letters. Make sure to follow directions carefully, as each company has different rules and regulations.

Work Your Way to a College Degree – Taking Advantage of Employer Tuition Assistance

Many employers offer tuition assistance as part of your benefits package. Every employer is different, so ask your human resources representative if you think that they may be able to help you with tuition. If you are unemployed and looking for a job, consider seeking out employers who offer tuition assistance as part of their benefits package.

Seek Out Specialty Scholarships

Before you go the route of private lending, make sure to put your best effort forth when it comes to finding suitable scholarship opportunities. Just because you didn’t make straight A’s in high school does not mean that you are not scholarship material.

There are many specialty scholarships out there that target specific majors and industry. Consult the thickest scholarship finding guide you can find for opportunities that suit your situation.

Your Last Stop – The Private Loan Industry

Finding money for your college years is always difficult if you or your parents do not happen to be independently wealthy. However, there are many options available for those who can’t get their hands on a full tuition scholarship, federal, private, or otherwise.

There is a growing private loan industry that is now making many loans available for families and college students. However, if like many college students, you find yourself having to take out a large loan to pay for your studies, you will need to do some serious interest rate shopping.

Always opt for a federal subsidized student loan if possible, as these usually lock in a low interest rate and offer the best rates. However, if this is not possible, shop around with different lenders to find the one with the lowest interest rate and with the most flexibility. Make sure to read all the fine print.

Funding Options for College Bound Students

With so many funding options for college bound students, which one is best for you? Paying for college may be the largest expense a family can have, especially for families with multiple children. There are so many funding options to assist you. Here are some brief descriptions of your options.

A Coverdell educational savings account is a popular plan for college funding. You can contribute up to $2000 per year per child. If you use these funds for qualified education expenses, the earnings are tax deferred and free of federal tax. You select the investments for optimal flexibility.

Section 529 plans are state-sponsored plans that can be used to pay college expenses. This is a tax-advantage plan for approved education-related expenses such as tuition, room and board, supplies and fees. The state generally hires an investment firm as a program manager who provides various investment choices.

You invest in the appropriate portfolios that match your investment time-line and risk tolerance. The two types of 529 plans are prepaid and savings. Prepaid plans (independent) let you purchase tuition credits at member colleges, at today’s rates, for future usage. Savings plans have growth based on the market performance of your investments.

UGMA/UTMA accounts are custodial accounts opened on behalf of a minor. This gift is considered irrevocable with all withdrawals required to be for the minors benefit. The balance of the account is turned over to the minor at the age of majority.

Grants and scholarships are “free money” options that don’t have to be paid back. This is a debt-free way to fund an education. Financial need typically must be demonstrated to receive a grant. Scholarships are usually based on merit.

Work-study programs provide part-time employment from the federal government to earn money for college. This program is not only in place to help to fund college, but a work-study job can provide essential work experience.

Federal student loans are low interest, long-term loans for students. These loans offer attractive repayment options including being able to post-pone payments while attending college and in times during repayment of financial difficulty. There are federal loans for both parents and students. The best know ones are Stafford Loans for students and PLUS for parents.

A lot of people turn to these programs for their funding needs. You can also often find private loans that have low interest rates for college students. Be sure to choose a reputable lender who in knowledgeable on loan choices if using a private lender.

Tuition payment plans are an interest and debt-free way to spread payments over several months. Not all colleges offer this plan. Typically used by families who have income that will cover the gap between the amount they are billed for college and the amount of financial aid received.

Assets of a family are often used to fund college. IRA’s, savings accounts, 401k plans and stocks offer a debt-free way to fund an education. As a word of caution, before you liquidate one of these accounts, consider the earnings you may be missing out on. Use this number as a comparison to the amount of interest you would incur from a student loan plan.

Credit cards are often a popular but poor choice for funding a college bound student. This is for the simple fact that interest rates can be high. Use this funding choice with caution.

It’s important to think about your own situation as you plan to fund your education. Establishing a savings plan at an early age will make a huge difference. There are lots of funding options for college bound students. Which one makes the most sense for you?

The Pros and Cons of the Coverdell ESA for College

As you’re setting up investment plans for your child’s college, it’s smart to be aware of the pros and cons of the Coverdell ESA for College. This educational savings account is a very attractive savings plan for many people. Let’s take a look at some of the negatives and positives of this program and so you can see if it’s a fit for you.

Pro- The Coverdell Education Savings Account can be self-directed with a wider array of investment products available than a 529 plan. The account can be placed in almost any sort of investment. Typically, stocks, bonds, bank CDs, mutual funds and unit investment trusts. No part of trust assets may be invested in life insurance contracts.

Pro- The Coverdell funds are available to finance elementary and secondary school, not just college. This includes items such as tuition, fees, tutoring, books, supplies, room and board, uniforms, transportation and computers.

Pro- Earnings accumulate tax-free. Qualified distributions are exempt from federal income tax. Please note that contributions are not deductible on federal or state income tax.

Pro- Corporations may contribute. This even includes tax-exempt organizations. Regardless of income level, corporations may contribute to an individuals Coverdell account.

Pro- People can contribute to both a Coverdell account and a section 529 plan in the same year. Note that there may a gift tax implication if you give more that $12,000 per beneficiary.

Con- Contributions to the Coverdell ESA are limited to $2000 per beneficiary per year. Here’s an example, you have a son and a daughter that you want to contribute $3500 into Coverdell accounts for. You deposit $2000 to your son’s account and $1500 into your daughter’s.

Their grandmother wishes to add another $1000 but she is only allowed to put $500 into your daughters account as the $2000 limit has been reached. At $2000 a year, it would be tough to have this be your entire college savings plan.

Con- Contributions can only be made until the beneficiary reaches age 18. This may be a non-issue with some families but a 529 plan would allow you greater flexibility. There are no age restrictions for special needs beneficiaries.

Con- The money must be used by the time the child reaches the age of 30. If the funds are not used, the earnings will be taxed as ordinary income plus a 10% penalty.

Con- There is less flexibility in changing beneficiaries in a Coverdell ESA. Coverdell plans are considered permanent gifts. You cannot open up an account for your child and take back the money for your own use. Typically, the parents are responsible for the account until the child reaches 18. Then, the beneficiary usually takes control of the account. There is some ability to change beneficiaries.

Con- The Coverdell ESA is not eligible for the state tax deductions available for some 529 plans. The available 529 state tax deductions vary from state to state. Of course, a tax deduction is not the only reason to select an investment.

Con- The contribution limit is phased out for contributors with an adjusted gross income between $95,000 and $110,000 for single people and between $190,000 and $220, 000 for joint filers. A clever way around this con if you’re in this income bracket is to give the money to your child and let her open a Coverdell for herself.

After looking at the pros and cons of the Coverdell education savings fund, you can see if this is a wise investment for your child. The items that have been identified as cons are non-issues for many people. Coverdell is a good investment overall for most families. Talk with your tax profession and see if it’s right for you.

Why In-State Colleges Should Be a Financial Aid Solution

Are you looking for a viable way to pay for college, but most of your college options seem like they will only put you years in debt? Is it really worth to pay for thousands of dollars in tuition each year? How can you avoid the stress of an expensive college education?

For those seeking a high quality education that will help them stay out of debt, an in state college could just be the ticket. Here are a few reasons why you’re in state college or university is worth its weight in gold.

Your In State College – Your Financial Aid Solution

How can your in state college become your financial aid solution? Easy. Attending an out of state college automatically adds thousands of dollars to your financial aid template.

Why not save yourself the stress of footing such a large bill and look for a good in state college or university? Most states have at least one or two good state colleges to choose from. Going to an in state college does not mean that you will have to sacrifice the freedom of the college experience.

Chances are you will have to make some kind of a move, even if it means moving only forty minutes away from your hometown, or on the other hand, it could possibly mean you will be moving hours away. Whatever you choose, know that an in state college will help you save thousands over the years.

Why Are In State Colleges the Affordable Choice for Students?

Choosing an in state college can be a great financial aid solution because it means that you qualify for in state tuition. This means that because you have already established residency, you will not have to pay the out of state tuition, which is often several thousand dollars more.

Moreover, in state tuitions often offer many tuition waivers to incoming students who hail from in state. If you have made above average grades throughout high school, there is a good chance that you will qualify for some sort of in state tuition assistance.

Even if this is not the case, you may consider using your local community college system as a springboard to a local in state college or university. Most community colleges also offer tuition scholarships for students wishing to transfer to an institution of higher education.

Get More Out of Your Financial Aid by Attending an In State College

Chances are that you will get more out of your federal aid if you choose an in state institution of higher learning rather than an out of state choice. You have more local resources at your disposal if you are applying for an in state institution.

In State Colleges - Offering You a Great Education without Breaking the Bank

The dirty secret about elite private institutions of higher learning is, in most cases, you can get the same quality education for a fourth of what they charge each year in tuition. Many in state colleges are highly ranked institutions of higher learning.

Recent analysts have pointed out that costs to attend many highly ranked elite private colleges and institutions have ballooned, making it even more difficult to finance a four year degree.

Along with tuition rates, the number of applicants has made it even more competitive to be accepted to these institutions. With more people applying and tuition rates climbing, securing a good financial aid package at an expensive, elite private college or university was never such a challenge.

Moreover, researchers have pointed out that a fine college education can be had at many public state colleges and institutions. In effect, in most cases you will simply be paying for ‘bragging rights’ rather than a worthier or inherently more valuable college degree.

Community College – A Financial Head Start on Education

Why should you consider making a pit stop at community college before heading off to college or university? There are many reasons why community college represents a head start on education. Here are some reasons why you should put your local community on your list of life pit stops.

Community College Allows You to Get an Academic Head Start

Want to get a taste of college while you are still in high school? Many community colleges allow high school seniors to take courses that can be counted towards a future degree. Your local community college can be a great way to start your college career early, even if it means taking a summer course after high school graduation.

Your local community college can be a great way to prime yourself for university or four year colleges. For instance, taking a community college can be a great way to get prerequisites out of the way so you will be clear to take a higher level course once you get to a four year institution. Moreover, it is very affordable to take classes at the community college level.

Community College Can Also Help You Get a Financial Head Start

Why should you make a pit stop at your local community college before heading off to a four year college or university? Easy. It can save you thousands of dollars. In most states, you can easily fulfill many of your undergraduate competencies by taking those classes at your local community college. Most community colleges offer smaller class sizes and highly qualified instructors.

At the university label, chances are you will spend most of your ‘required’ courses in oversized lecture halls with grad students mumbling their way through the lectures. In short, going to community college can save you money and maybe even get you a better education footing than taking the very same course at a university.

Not a Straight A High School Student? Community College Offers a Blank Slate

For many people, community college offers a much needed clean slate. Perhaps you are not able to go to the college of your choice directly out of high school because of your grades. Community college is a great way to pursue a higher education at your own pace, without the high stress burden of a big tuition bill that you would get at a traditional four year university.

By taking classes at a community college, you can begin to zero in on your interests. You can begin to build an academic record that you are proud of. Make sure to take advantage of all the resources that will be available to you on campus, including tutoring services and financial aid consultations.

Using Community College as a Springboard to a Traditional Four Year Campus

Community college is a great place to use as a springboard to a traditional four year institution of higher learning. You can much of your two year required coursework out of the way and experiment with many different kinds of courses and majors.

Perhaps even more importantly, attending community college can give you a major financial age. There is a good chance that your public, in state, four year college or university offers transfer scholarships.

Most community college transfer scholarships will cover your tuition bill at the local in state college or university. So you didn’t get that full tuition scholarship out of high school? Well guess what? You can get it by excelling at community college. In this sense, your local community college can give you a great academic and financial opportunity, operating as your gateway to the rest of the world.

Federal PLUS Program Smart Move for College Funding

Under the Parents PLUS loan program, parents are able to help pay their child’s education expenses. The student must be a dependent undergraduate who is enrolled at least half time in an eligible program at an eligible school. PLUS Loans are available through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and the William D.

Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Parents can get either of these loans, but cannot get both, during the same enrollment period. An acceptable credit history is a must. It is simple to apply for the Direct PLUS Loan. The student’s parent must complete a Direct PLUS Loan application and promissory note, contained in a single form that is available at any college’s financial aid office.

For the FFEL PLUS Loan, the parent has to fill out and send in the PLUS Loan application, available from the school, lender, or your state guaranty agency. After the school completes its portion of the application, it must be sent to a lender for evaluation.

A credit check will is always required, and must be passed. If the credit check is not acceptable, the parent may still be able to receive a loan if they can provide proof of a hardship, or if someone, such as a relative or friend who is able to pass the credit check, agrees to endorse the loan. An endorser promises to repay the loan if the parent fails to do so.

The parent might also qualify for a loan without passing the credit check if they can demonstrate that extenuating circumstances exist. The student and parent must also meet other general eligibility requirements for federal student financial aid. The yearly limit on a PLUS Loan is equal to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives.

After approval, either the U.S. Department of Education (for a Direct PLUS Loan) or the parents’ lender (for a FFEL PLUS Loan) will send the loan funds to the college. The school might require the parent to endorse a disbursement check and send it back to the school. In most cases, the loan will be disbursed in at least two installments, and no installment will be greater than half the loan amount.

The funds will first be applied to the tuition, fees, room and board, and other school charges. If any loan funds remain, the parent will receive the amount as a check or in cash, unless they authorize the amount to be released to the student or to be put into the school account. Any remaining loan funds must be used for education expenses.

Federal PLUS Loans are unsubsidized loans made to parents. If the student is independent or the parents cannot get a PLUS loan, the student is eligible to borrow additional Stafford Loan funds. The interest rate for the PLUS loan is variable, but never exceeds 9 percent.

Interest rates are adjusted each year on July 1 and the parent is notified of interest rate changes throughout the life of their loan. Interest is charged on the loan from the date the first disbursement is made until the loan is paid in full. There is also a small fee charged in order to obtain the PLUS loan, which is up to 4 percent of the loan.

Repayment of the PLUS loan generally begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. There is no grace period for these loans. This means interest begins to accumulate at the time the first disbursement is made. The parent must begin repaying both principal and interest while the student is in school. There are some tax incentives available for paying back these loans.

The Scoop on Pell Grants for College Education

Paying for a college education – it’s a thought that keeps many parents up at night. After all, everyone knows that having a college education is the entrance into many good jobs and careers, and everyone also knows that the cost of getting a college education seems to be constantly increasing.

A college education can be more expensive than buying a home for some people and the cost of attending a college or university is prohibitive to some families, even though they know that giving their children the opportunity to get a college education would give their kids a leg up on the competition in the job market. The cost becomes even more overwhelming for parents who have more than one child headed to college.

There are plenty of savings plans available to families to put a little aside for their children’s college education while the kids are still in elementary school and high school, but what happens if you don’t have any money left over to put aside into a savings plan at the end of each month, or what happens if you simply didn’t save anything at all, and now the senior year of high school is upon you? Does that mean that all hope is lost?

The good news is that there are ways for students who come from families without the resources to send them to college to get a good college education anyway. The Federal Pell Grant scheme is one such program. Federal Pell Grants differ from other funding opportunities for students because they do not need to be paid back.

These grants are cash payments from the government to students who need them to pay for college, and that is the end of the story. The student does not have to work on campus to get this money and they do not have to pass a credit check, nor do their parents. Federal Pell Grants have helped millions of low income families give their children a college education.

To qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, you first have to prove that you really need one. The government will make a decision based largely on the income of the parents, but they will also consider factors like how much the school costs to attend, how many classes the student will be taking, and how long they plan to be in school.

These factors will determine not only who gets a grant but also how much money each person will get. Federal Pell Grants are distributed through the student financial aid office at each school.

Federal Pell Grants certainly have helped a tremendous number of students get an education, and they can truly be a lifesaver for a family in need, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that they can solve all of your problems. In many cases, the amount of the Pell Grant, which is awarded yearly, is much less than even tuition at the school, let alone additional costs like room, board, and books.

Some people also complain that the need based criteria of the loan is too strict and it excludes working class families who can’t afford the tuition but still make a living for themselves. Also, the system can punish a student who finds work while in school – the increased income of the student may put them out of the Pell Grant bracket.

For all of these reasons, when you’re planning your education financing, you should count on using Pell Grants only as a supplement. You should also consider work study programs at your school, federal subsidized student loans, and student loans from private sources.

Viability of US Savings Bonds to Fund College

Saving for college has become a priority for many American families. With most university tuition rates climbing every year at record pace, it can seem nearly impossible to send your children to a good college or university without going into deep debt. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning, you can make your college savings plan go a long way.

Using a US Savings Bond to Save for College

Many parents with young children wonder if it is viable to use US savings bonds as a savings vehicle for their children’s future education. The truth is that a US savings bond can be a great way to save for college for many families.

Most US savings bonds offer competitive interest rates, and they come with the added security of being backed by both federal and state governments, as well as being subject to certain income tax benefits from both levels of government. Here is some information about saving bonds and what they can do to help you save money for your child’s college education.

The Series EE Savings Bond

One of the most popular US savings bond vehicles that are purchased by parents who are looking to save money for their children’s college education is a US savings bond from the series EE savings bond series. Analysts have recently estimated that a US savings bond from the series EE that was purchased in 2006 will likely earn 3.2 fixed interest rate percentages over the life of that bond.

The Series I Savings Bond – AKA the I Bond

What about the series I savings bond? It is also commonly known as the I bond. What is the difference between the series I savings bond and a series EE US savings bond? The main difference is that the series I savings bond carries an interest rate that is determined by the federal government.

In general, the federal government determines the interest rate for the series I savings bond by determining a basic low fixed rate, as of now that is one percent, and then adding on an inflation rate to that that reflects the latest increases in the consumer price index.

How to Make Your Money Grow with a US Savings Bond

Regardless of whether you choose an I US savings bond or a Series EE savings bond, here are some basic things you should know about how to make your money grow. First, you should always wait at least one year before cashing in your US savings bond.

You should also know that in most cases you will forfeit at least three months interest if you decide to cash in your US savings bond within five years of your initial investment date.

Tax Incentives of US Savings Bonds

In most cases, you will find that your US savings bond comes with many attractive tax benefits. For interest, you will not have to pay taxes on your interest on your state tax form, and in many cases, your interest may also be free from federal taxes.

Why a US Savings Bond May Be a Better Option than a 529 Investment

In most cases, analysts predict that a US savings bond will tend to perform better than many 529 college savings investment plans. However, this strictly depends on what kind of 529 college savings investment vehicle you have chosen.

Some state 529 college savings plans will indeed outperform a US savings bond over the long haul. Much of this depends on the condition of the market in future years, inflation trends, and a number of other fluctuating conditions.

Pros and Cons of Pre-paid Tuition vs. 529 College Saving Plan

There are so many ways for concerned parents to plan for their children’s future educational expenses. There are federal and state educational tax credits, savings bonds, savings accounts, and now, states 529 college savings incentives programs. These state 529 college savings incentives programs are relatively new, and many parents do not know whether they are suited for their financial needs.

We investigate the nature of these state 529 college savings incentives programs and what you can expect from the different types of state 529 college savings incentives programs.

Pre-paid Tuition vs. 529 College Savings Plans – Two Sides of the Same Coin

Many parents find themselves trying to decide between investing in either a pre-paid tuition program or a state 529 college savings incentives programs. The truth is that both of these represent two sides of the same coin. In truth, both of these types of plans are officially known as ‘section 529’ plans because they are both described under the same tax code and are subject to many of the same benefits. Even so, they are different and are often subject to different restrictions and benefits.

What’s All the Fuss with State Pre-Paid Tuition Plans? Pros Offer Peace of Mind

Again, a state pre-paid tuition plan is just another kind of a state 529 college savings incentives program. When it comes to a state pre-paid tuition plan, here is the basic gist of it. A state pre-paid tuition program, as the name implies, allows you to pay for your child’s tuition rates right now.

That means that you can, in essence, ‘lock in’ the current tuition rate. That way you will not be subject to the rising costs of tuition rates. This is a concern for many parents, who watch the current trend of rising tuition costs every year in despair.

Pre-paid Cons - Restrictions Abound with Pre-Paid Tuition Plans

Pre-paid tuition plans can come with associated restrictions, so make sure you understand them before you enroll. First, there is generally a firm age limit on state pre-paid tuition plans. Most state pre-paid tuition plans have a broad age limit that usually ranges from the time your child is a newborn to the time they are a senior in high school, but make sure to note the age limit when you are considering plans.

Also, there often restrictions on when you can enroll in your state’s pre-paid tuition plan. These pre-paid plans usually have special enrollment periods that mirror the enrollment period for insurance plans and the like.

Consult your state’s web site if you are not sure when to enroll. Furthermore, most state pre-paid tuition plans have restrictions on the types of expenses that they will cover. In most cases, state pre-paid investment plans will cover just that –state tuition and mandatory associated fees.

Considering a Traditional 529 Savings Plan? Pros You Can Live With

What about state 529 college savings incentives programs? Like most pre-paid college tuition programs, a state program allows you access too many federal tax incentives, including tax-free withdrawals, HOPE and Lifetime Learning tax credits, and other favorable federal tax credits. In general, a state 529 college savings incentives program allows you maximum flexibility. Most allow year-round enrollment and do not carry age limits.

Keeping Up With Inflation – Cons of the Traditional 529 Savings Plans

There are some cons associated with many state 529 college savings incentives programs. Some argue that while saving for college is good, some 529 savings plans may not be able to keep up with the growing trend of tuition increases. Like any type of investment, state 529 college savings incentives programs may simply lose their value over time.

What the TIPS Means in the 529 College Savings Plans

In order to understand what the Treasury Inflation-Protection Securities (TIPS means in 529 plans it is important to understand what a 529 Plan is. A 529 Plan is an investment plan to save specifically for a college education.

The 529 Plan, named after the code in the IRS tax code corresponding to the plan, is often used by parents as a way to set aside money for a child’s future college education when they are still young that utilizes investments in stocks and other investment tools in order to not only put money aside for that child’s college education but to increase the amount of the original investment through interest rates and return rates on particular investments.

Since the 529 Plan is a state based investment, the state sets up an account with an asset management company of its own choice and the parents open a 529 Plan account with that asset management company. The parents deal directly with the asset management company, not the state. When parents sign up for a 529 Plan they have two options in terms of how they structure their investment.

The first option when investing in a 529 Plan is to prepay tuition at a participating educational institution at the current tuition rates, guarding against tuition inflation. The downside to this option is obviously that the child must then attend that particular college and won’t have a have a choice of schools when it is ready to move forward to a college education.

The child may not want to attend that particular school or may not have the credentials necessary to be admitted to that school. Parents also take the risk that school will no longer be in business by the time the child is ready to attend. The advantage is that with the huge rise in tuition costs yearly the parents will be able to lock in a low tuition rate for their child’s education.

The second investment option when investing in a 529 Plan gives parents the chance to put money into a tax-deferred earnings account that can only be used to pay for their child’s education.

The advantage of this method is that the child can attend any college they choose or can qualify for. The disadvantage is that parents will be paying the current tuition rate at the time that the child attends the college, which might be significantly more than the tuition rates offered now.

Regardless of which plan the parents choose, the basic idea of the 529 Plan is the same. Parents are investing money with the idea that the earnings on that investment will grow to meet the costs of a future college education for their child. The second option is usually the one preferred by parents.

When parents open a 529 Plan account they are agreeing to let their investment be handled by the asset management company chosen by the state. The asset management company may decide to put part of the initial investment in stock and part of the investment in fixed-income securities to maximize the return potential and the potential growth of the investment.

This type of allocation plan is preferred because it offers investors a balanced return over the period of the investment. In order to protect the investor against rising inflation costs, as much as one half of the investment that is designated for fixed income securities can be placed in Treasury Inflation-Protection Securities or TIPS which provide protection for the investor against inflation.

So asset management companies invest the money of parents who are buying 529 Plan accounts to pay for their child’s future education in Treasury Inflation-Protection Securities or TIPS to protect that investment from inflation over the course of the investment term.

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