I've found that the two main reasons why people don't make progress with achieving their financial goals are Time and Knowledge. We get bogged down by things at work and want to spend any free time with our families or doing things we enjoy. It can also be overwhelming to know where to start when
The Expected Family Contribution
Figuring out what you are expected to pay for college can be a confusing and overwhelming task. You face many different questions and for some people stress begins to kick in. How much will college really cost? Will I be able to afford it? How will I pay for college? Will I need to take out student
The Best Ways To Start Saving And Planning For College – Episode 11
Episode 11 - Financial Workshops Part 2: Planning for College Even the least financially savvy people know that saving for college is a lengthy but important process. If you’re not sure where to begin, let Marc Bautis and his colleague John Williams be your guides. In part two of the
Preparing Your Children for Adulthood through Financial Literacy
Preparing Your Children for Adulthood through Financial Literacy As a financial advisor, I learn a lot about clients’ short and long-term financial goals through many conversations and building relationships with them. I also often learn about their frustrations and regrets regarding past financial
Using a 529 to Create a Family Education Foundation
One of the questions I receive when someone starts saving for their children’s college via a 529 plan is what happens if their children do not go to college. One option is to have another family member use the funds in the 529 plan to pay for their education. If we take that into account along
Annual College Education Progress Report
Our children get report cards at school that show how they are progressing with their learning. As parents we should get a progress report that shows how well a parent is saving for their children’s college education. I started putting together an annual report that projects what percentage of
Student Loans
Everyone has a finite amount of money that they can allocate to their financial goals. One debate that always comes up in financial circles is should I pay off more of the principal on my mortgage or invest the extra money in hopes of earning a higher return than my home interest rate. A less
What Happens to your 529 Plan If Your Child Does Not Go To College?
If there is money left over in a 529 plan it can turn into a great estate planning tool. Two benefits of 529 plans are that they can be transferred to family members and there is no time frame when the funds have to be used. Because this money can grow tax-free for many years it can create