529 and Other College Savings Plans For Dummies (eBook)

There's no question: The cost of college continues to soar,
even when the rest of the economy stagnates, and this reality is
not likely to change any time soon. Fortunately, everyone,
including you, the various governments (federal and state), and the
colleges themselves, are in on this secret, so everyone can plan
and plot, well in advance of that eventual first day of your
child's freshman year, ways to get that child there, and ways
to help you pay the bills when they happen. Consider this book to
be your accomplice.

529 & Other College Savings Plans For Dummies is
simply a way to find a reasonable solution to a seemingly
unreasonable problem: saving for future college costs in the
sanest, least stressful way possible for you. In keeping with the
theme of stress reduction, you can use this book in a variety of
ways:

* As a reference: It's all here: the ins, the outs,
the do's, and the don'ts. The world of college savings
is one of very specific rules, and they're here, in all their
glory, and they're all explained.

* As an advisor: It's a case of the very good
savings techniques, the merely okay savings techniques, and the
truly ugly techniques (which you really want to avoid), and this
book highlights them all.

* As a little light reading: Amazingly enough, the topic
of money can be mildly amusing, and college savings is no
exception. Read this with an eye towards the absurd, and you
won't go far wrong.

This down-to-earth book is designed to explain the strategies
that are out there to help you save, save, save. There's no
doubt that the bill will be large; there's also no question
that, with planning, strategy, and purpose, you can achieve your
goal. To help you get there, this book covers all these vital
topics, and more:

* Evaluating all your resources

* Understanding the basics of Section 529 plans

* Working around the 529 shortcomings

* Contributing to Coverdell accounts

* Choosing savings bonds that work

* Looking at your investment options

* Searching for scholarships, fellowships, and grants

* Tapping into your Roth IRA

* Financial Aid 101

In this one-size-fits-all world, the powers that be have
recognized that all people don't save money the same way.
Some save more, some save less, some can live with risk, and others
can't tolerate any risk. Clearly, no two are alike, but
you're all savers, either present or potential. Numerous
options exist that make saving possible and desirable for everyone.
529 & Other College Savings Plans For Dummies is here to
tell you that it is possible to understand the costs
associated with college, both right now and in the future, and then
find ways to pay for those costs.