Preparing to send a child off to college requires a good amount of financial preparation. Sure, you’ve accounted for the basics that everyone knows all too well. You’ve considered tuition, room and board, and textbooks. But what about the extra costs associated with a college education? Are you prepared for those?
There are several costs for college that are “hidden in plain sight.” If you are aware of them,
The holidays are approaching, and many parents and grandparents are wracking their brains, trying to come up with a great gift for the children in their lives. You can give them another toy or a sweater, but what about something for their future? Giving the gift of a college education is something they won’t outgrow or break. A 529 gift card also shows kids that you’re focused on their future success.
Opening a 529 education fund is a smart financial move for families, especially with the rising cost of college. Besides college expenses, the money also can be used to pay for K–12 tuition at public and private schools in many states, including North Carolina.
Many parents choose 529 accounts because the earnings grow tax-free if it’s used for qualified education expenses. Opening an account when children are young can accumulate thousands of dollars in interest and money saved on taxes.
