I speak with clients on a regular basis that tell me they have cash saved up for either some or all of the college costs for their children. As a society, we have been taught that paying cash is the smartest thing to do. However, this may or may not be so. It all depends on the alternatives. I tell clients all the time, “You are borrowing money for college – … [Read more...]

529 plans are College savings plans that allow you to save money for college. 529 plans are financial instruments that are neither good nor bad, but have benefits and drawbacks to consider. Here are some things to consider before placing your money into a 529 plan. 1. The main benefit is that the growth inside a 529 plan is not taxable if you use the money … [Read more...]

We deal with families planning for college on a daily basis who want to reduce their out of pocket costs. Here are some tips that can help reduce thousands of dollars of debt during the student’s college experience. Read below to find out about a free opportunity to get scholarships that many don’t take advantage of on our website. • The most expensive things … [Read more...]

As I have observed my son go through the process of making his college choice I am reminded of a few things that parents sometimes forget. For many students this is their first BIG decision of their lives. The time will come for others [like marriage, buying a house, getting a job, having a baby], but the way we help them through this first one will often … [Read more...]

One thing I learned in America - People learn from a young age to encourage others - it's a good thing! Climbing in trees is a natural thing in Africa. I remember an old oak tree in the backyard of our small farm. It was a great tree to climb, as tall as you could see from the ground and as you got higher and higher the branches became thinner and less … [Read more...]

I spent the past few weeks in Africa and experienced some amazing sights on safari. One of the days I looked over to my kids and was in shock. Where did the years go? My son is now taller than I am and only the weight that I am trying to lose keeps him from wrestling me to the ground. So we are heading back to school in the next few weeks! My son enters … [Read more...]

It's summer time, school is out, pools are open and if you listen very closely you can hear students all over the place saying, “I’m bored, there’s nothing to do!" Well here are some solutions to your high school student’s boredom that will have very positive impact on their college planning. Many students have very hectic schedules during the school year that … [Read more...]

Most people are keenly aware that when shopping for a new car the “sticker price” on the vehicle is typically only a starting point for the actual price that will be paid for the vehicle. The well prepared consumer of a new car will actually come to the dealership prepared with the necessary information to make an intelligent offer for the car of their choice. … [Read more...]