The federal formula for assessing how much a family can pay for college is strictly focused on the finances of parent and child. So 529 plans opened by grandparents go uncounted in the federal calculus. In distributing their own aid, however, colleges often look at all 529 plans that name the student as beneficiary. So even if the strategy works for the federal-aid calculation, it won't necessarily work for the institution's own aid assessment. - From Wall Street Journal; December 18th, 2006
Here are a couple of lines taken from CSS Profile, Section Q
#521) Enter the total value of assets held in Section 529 college savings plans that were established for the student by someone other than the student’s parent(s)
#523) Enter the estimated amount that will be withdrawn for the student for the 2017-2018 academic year from Section 529 plans established for the benefit of the student. If you own a 529 Plan, make sure you have a competent college funding advisor examine it BEFORE you apply for financial aid.
One last thought: 529 Plans are often funded with mutual funds and ETFs. A lesson learned during the “lost decade” (2001-2010) is that markets are volatile. The S&P 500 Index lost four times in that ten-year period. You need to understand your risk tolerance and more importantly when you need the money. Many families saving for college were financially hurt during this period and had to significantly alter their college plans. Longer timelines like 12 to 15 years is preferable for market driven funds. It’s your life. It’s your time. It’s your money.
John McDonough has contributed to this press release. Segments in part or whole are from his publications.
Most people have a predisposition about risk. It’s generally environmental and based on family upbringing. That doesn’t mean it’s necessarily right, it’s just where you are, depending upon your financial literacy. Whether you know it or not, you ...
Released On: 12/27/2019
Views: 1918
There are mortality averages based on actuarial statistics that can approximate the life expectancy of the general population at large. But “averages” don’t address half of those who will exceed the norms. The more data you put into determining y ...
Released On: 12/26/2019
Views: 1857
For most wage earners and retirees taxes are the biggest expense they’ll ever have over their lifetime. Managing your tax bill effectively is learning to become a “gamer,” by avoiding tax traps and snares along life’s journey. You have to know th ...
Released On: 12/25/2019
Views: 1775
It’s rather stunning to discover that most baby boomers have never had a budget in their life, but they’re going to need one in retirement. Retirement may be the biggest motivator for most Americans to create a budget because retirees live month ...
Released On: 12/24/2019
Views: 1882
Life just happens, but there are predictable events common to most in our culture and most of those events have a financial impact. Planning for those predictable events can prepare you to meet many of these obligations. The life event checklist ...
Released On: 12/23/2019
Views: 1954
The Mortality Revolution may very well be the final frontier in mankind’s quest to beat death. So far, the grim reaper has won every time, but new timelines are emerging in human longevity that are delaying the inevitable. Prepare yourself for l ...
Released On: 12/20/2019
Views: 1775
Living longer is exacerbating over a dozen other retirement risks that threaten the vast majority of retirees and those near retirement. If the status quo continues, the retirement lifestyle of most seniors will be severely pared back. Watch the ...
Released On: 12/19/2019
Views: 1818
Most of the retirement plans currently operational have a significant flaw. They’ve grossly underestimated the increase in life expectancy over the last generation. But government and military pensions are in the greater financial jeopardy, becau ...
Released On: 12/18/2019
Views: 1789
The law of large numbers and changing demographics of life expectancy is having a significant impact on guaranteed lifetime annuities. Annuity manufacturers are touting their alpha with mortality credits and receiving newfound interest among fina ...
Released On: 12/17/2019
Views: 1810
The last 100 years have seen a significant increase in human longevity compared to the earliest records of mankind. The spike in longevity has caught the Western world by surprise. The effects of this revolution are affecting financial planning a ...
Released On: 12/16/2019
Views: 1763
There was a time when Social Security benefits were not exposed to ordinary income taxation. But over the years, small incremental steps were taken to tax the benefits. Maybe “means testing” may be implemented to shore up the vulnerable Social Se ...
Released On: 12/13/2019
Views: 1453
Collateralized loans are not characterized as income and are not reportable, as such, on your 1040 form. And because these loans are not forms of taxable income, they are not counted for the provisional income test for Social Security taxation. W ...
Released On: 12/12/2019
Views: 1919
Retirement, as it is today, is inherently crippled by taxes. You may very well have one million dollars in your retirement plan, but Uncle Sam may own up to 40% of it. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Roth IRAs need to be reconsidered as a first ...
Released On: 12/11/2019
Views: 1724
Most American workers don’t comprehend the realities of retirement until they’re a few years from retirement date, which is often too late. They’re just too busy dealing with immediate financial pressures to understand the long-haul consequences ...
Released On: 12/10/2019
Views: 1752
Retirement will undergo a drastic reinvention as the newest generation redefines it's golden years in their investment habits and senior lifestyle goals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAdtMWBaseY&feature=youtu.be
Released On: 12/9/2019
Views: 1715
Your retirement account is only as big as your tax planning strategy. Your personal exemptions and standard deductions in retirement will not be enough to offset your tax bill. Tax management must be a major component of your retirement plan. Wat ...
Released On: 12/6/2019
Views: 1819
If you have longevity in your family, guaranteed income for life is a must consideration. If you think it’s reasonable that medical advances will impact your longevity, then guaranteed income for life may need to be in your retirement plan. Watch ...
Released On: 12/5/2019
Views: 1676
A happy retirement is based on math and science, not on wishful thinking and hoping things turn out right. You need to eliminate debt and risk in retirement and secure reliable income to generate the peace of mind that seniors desire in their gol ...
Released On: 12/4/2019
Views: 1422