A 529 ABLE Account Just Might Help…
Hey Pete and Damian! Got a 529 question for ya…. What if you have a 529 fund for a child who later develops a disability and is unable to attend college? Say autism or other severe learning disabilities. Can this…
Category Archives: College
COVID-19 Notes: Before You Refinance Your Student Loans…
Around here, we field a lot of questions about student loans. There seems to be an endless amount to know in this space. It’s always our goal to always be learning as much as we can about loan types, repayment…
College Is Expensive. Just Say No?
I’m a lucky guy. My job gives me the opportunity to help thousands of people with some of their most difficult and stressful problems and make a real difference in their lives. It’s immensely satisfying. I’ve heard all sorts of…
No money saved for your kid’s college? Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do.
It’s nothing short of shocking how quickly your child’s bus rides to elementary school turn into a heart-wrenching drive to drop them off at college for the first time. The time flies by, and you wouldn’t be alone if you…
Exactly how much should I be saving for my kids college education?
Hi, I listen to the Pete the Planner podcast regularly but have yet to come across an episode that has answered a particular question that I’ve been researching. Although I have picked up some good strategies and methods for college…
Don’t Mooch off Mom When You Move Back Home After College
It’s boomerang season. After four years of living away from their parents, millions of new college graduates are on the cusp of returning back home to the spot where they were launched. Some knew this was the plan all along. Others…
Big Student Loan Changes Proposed in the 2020 Budget
On March 11th, President Trump released his 2020 Budget Proposal. The 150-page document included cuts for many programs, including but not limited to education. It’s no secret that student loan debt becomes an ever increasing problem for students and their…
Indiana 529: How Long Does Money Need to be in the Account Before You Get the Tax Credit?
I can’t seem to find the answer to this question anywhere online. What is the minimum amount of time that $4,000 needs to reside in Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 Plan to be eligible for the $1,000 tax credit? For example, can…
What Happens to Your 529 if Your Kid Gets a Full Ride Scholarship?
Saw your piece in USA Today, July 30, ’16. ‘Earning a scholarship creates an exception to the 10% penalty rule for non-qualified withdrawals.’ Luckily we’re in that situation. Question: Does a non-qualified withdrawal equal to the scholarship have to be…
Student Loans or Credit Card Debt—Which Do I Pay Off First?
Hi Pete, I have credit card debt of $5,300 (between two cards), but I have $6,000 of student loan money in an account earning 1 percent. More loan money, roughly $10,000, is on the way next semester. I’m working and…