College savings plans

A deep dive into all the critical questions, strategies and tax planning moves for clients and their university-bound children.

The majority of advisors don’t understand how much of a positive difference they can make for their clients, says advisor Deborah Fox.

Age-based portfolios were susceptible to market volatility — and some clients have pulled out college savings.

With astute maneuvering, advisors can add money to a clients’ college-fund kitty without jeopardizing financial aid.

Don't neglect the FAFSA and other ideas to help families with annual incomes of more than $300,000.

With careful planning, they can be among the 72% of U.S. students to get need-based assistance.

There are attractive hedges against rising college tuition costs. But, not every student will benefit.

Students can always borrow money for school, but there are no "retirement loans" available for clients to use to fund life after work, a CFP writes.

Of the six finalists at the fourth annual XY Planning Network fintech competition, half focused on addressing concerns of younger investors.

FINRA Rule 3210 typically requires permission for brokerage accounts.

When financial emergencies compel early withdrawals from clients' retirement accounts, they face income tax and often an additional 10% penalty.

Grandchildren won't be able to have their own accounts until they are earning their own income, but they can be named beneficiaries.

A new FINRA initiative to root out breaches of supervisory rules on 529 plans provoked criticism from the IBD advocacy group.

Workers should urge their employers to offer this savings option in their 401(k) plans to save for emergency and unforeseen expenses.

Startup entrepreneur sees an opportunity to simplify savings plans and financial giving for children, and hook their parents into wealth management in the process.

Why these are more inviting under the new tax law.

Why these are more inviting under the new tax law.

Despite questions about the hastily cobbled legislation, there's some consensus as to what advisors and their clients can do now to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Advisors say it’s never too early to start saving for college.

While there’s no fail-safe method for modeling the costs, a popular calculation may significantly under- or overstate the burden of tuition, room and board, Kitces.com research associate Derek Tharp writes.