We all understand that sending kids to college is an expensive affair. However, it is surprising that not many families with children have a well-planned investment strategy for the college education of their children. Many Parents Investment Guide for Your Child’s Education and keep aside a certain amount of money in a dedicated account for this purpose. However, in most instances, that amount does not cover a significant part of the overall expense.
Assuming a 7% increase in tuition fees per year, families with newborns are likely to pay well above $400,000 for the undergraduate degree of their kids when they grow up. The amount parents need to set aside per month in a college savings plan to cover this expense is around $875. This may not be a feasible option for many families around the country. However, any amount saved is certainly better than saving nothing at all. Of course, by starting to save early, they can reduce this burden significantly in the future.
Investing in a child’s education is one of the most important financial decisions a parent can make. With the rising cost of education, it’s essential to start planning early and make smart investment decisions.
Mentioned below are some options in the Parents Investment Guide for Your Child’s Education.
- 529 Plans: As parents, you have two different types of 529 Plans to choose from. In a pre-paid tuition plan, the parents can lock-in the current tuition rates for colleges at in-state public colleges. Some of these plans can be converted even for out-of-state or private schools. 529 plans essentially allow the parents to purchase tuition credits that they can use five, ten, fifteen, or even twenty years later. There is no much risk involved because most of these plans are guaranteed by the state’s government. Pre-paid tuition plans specifically for private colleges are also available. The second type of 529 Plan, the college savings plan involves investment by the “Parents Investment Guide for Your Child’s Education” in mutual funds or something similar. Depending on the market conditions, the fund available in the account will fluctuate. The advantage of these plans is that it is possible to invest in plans beyond the home state and the funds can be used for any college.
- Coverdell Education Savings Account: Previously known as the Education IRA, this option allows saving money to cover the cost of education with tax-deferred growth. Compared to a 529 Plan, Coverdell Education Savings Account provides more Parents Investment Guide for Your Child’s Education flexibility and lower operating cost. Provided the parents meet the requirements of income eligibility, they can contribute up to $2,000 every year. These accounts can be opened at any American bank, for any individual under the age of 18.
- Custodial Accounts: Custodial accounts such as the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) and the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) can be set up by an adult including the parents, on behalf of a child. These accounts have no annual contribution limit. However, the parents must be mindful of the fact that custodial accounts are always in the child’s name. Therefore, this may affect the eligibility of a child for federal financial aid. Also, the child will have complete control of the money, once the age of consent is reached.
- Life Insurance: This is often a preferred alternative for the parents because of the lower risk factors compared to a 529 Plan. However, the policy must remain active for at least eight years for the parents to see any return. Whole life insurance policies are particularly popular because a minimum return is guaranteed for the insurers.
- Savings bonds: Series I and Series EE are two types of savings bonds suitable for parents saving for child education. These bonds are risk-free and reliable because they are backed by the government.
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Start early: The earlier you start investing for your child’s education, the better. Compound interest can work in your favor, so starting early gives your investments more time to grow. Even small investments made regularly can add up significantly over time.
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Set a savings goal: Determine how much you will need to save to cover the cost of your child’s education. Consider factors such as tuition fees, room and board, textbooks, and other expenses. This will help you set a savings goal and determine how much you need to invest each month.
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Explore other investment options: There are other investment options available that can help you save for your child’s education. For example, you can open a custodial account, invest in stocks or mutual funds, or purchase bonds.
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Stay flexible: Education costs can be unpredictable, so it’s important to stay flexible with your investments. Consider investments that offer flexibility in case you need to make changes due to changes in your child’s education plans or financial situation.
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Involve your child: As your child gets older, involve them in the process of saving for their education. Teach them about the importance of saving and investing, and encourage them to contribute to their own education savings plan.
In today’s rapidly expanding world of finance, there are plenty of non-conventional investment opportunities for parents. But believe it or not usually, the simple and secure routes are the best to go with as I have suggested above because they provide predictable and regular returns and some have an amount of tax-deferred status depending on the plan.
