529 Plans are financial instruments for College that are neither good nor bad, but have benefits and drawbacks to consider. There might be other financial vehicles available that could have as good if not much better benefits. Here are some things to consider before placing your money into a 529 Plan. The 529 [like a 401k, 403b etc] is an IRS approved … [Read more...]
Do I dare to look today or not?
May 19, 2016 by
We all love looking at our retirement account statements when the market is up, but some people are scared to look at them when the market is down. We are all different – Some folk will check their statements on a daily or weekly basis, and others only when they get their quarterly statements and some only once a year. Do I check my pulse each morning to see … [Read more...]
Our Legacy – It’s not what we leave to our kids
May 7, 2016 by
In my Financial practice I have the privilege of discussing what my clients would like to leave to their kids as a legacy. It's an important discussion for most parents to have and plan for. Growing up on a farm in Africa my mother (who I am not sure ever made it to 4 feet tall – she might one day) had six rambunctious kids who grew up without much money, … [Read more...]
Forgiveness or Refinancing – a blessing or a mistake?
April 21, 2016 by
OK so I have graduated from college, now what is the most efficient way of paying off my student loans? I have received a few questions about the best way to repay my student loan. PS – DON’T MISS THE WARNING AT THE END OF THIS! Please note that there are pro’s and con’s to each option of paying off your loan and will affect each family’s unique … [Read more...]
10 Mistakes families make when appealing Financial Aid
April 3, 2016 by
The Parent calling the financial aid office Your student is now being treated as an adult (in many cases for the first time) and the college does not want to communicate with the parent. Who asks for more help and how they do it is vital to your student’s success in appealing their financial aid. We have experienced a number of times where schools will … [Read more...]
Market Volatility – what should I be thinking?
March 1, 2016 by
Obviously we are all watching what is happening in the market and how it affects our finances and retirement. Many are concerned as to what to do in this environment of volatility. As I mentioned to a client last week – “This is your money and obviously we will do whatever you want” Most people however have engaged SageView Advisory for advice, and although … [Read more...]
5 Critical things Parents need to know TODAY about College Planning
February 18, 2016 by
There are always two sides to the College Planning story. Here are some tips on the Financial side. Even if I have high Net worth or High income, it’s possible to get the cost of college reduced by 1000’s of dollars - if I have the correct plan in place before I apply. Many families have been told that they make too much money or have too many assets and … [Read more...]
Do I have the sharpest tool in the box for Finances and College?
February 9, 2016 by
Growing up on a farm in Africa had it’s benefits. We had a whole room where we stored all of our tools and bench vices and various parts for piping and tractors and vehicles and bricklaying. We also had the privilege of having my grandfather living with us after my grandmother had passed away. He was a man of integrity that had fought for the Allies in the … [Read more...]
10 Simple Steps to completing the FAFSA for College
February 2, 2016 by
Firstly, I would like to encourage parents to not be stressed by the form – it is fairly simple, but if this does stress you out, feel free to call and we will help wherever we can. Our advice is to always check in BEFORE you complete and sign the FAFSA to see if you would be able to qualify for better benefits with some proper … [Read more...]
12 questions Parents should ask themselves early when thinking about College? 9-12
January 14, 2016 by
To see questions 5-8 click HERE To see questions 1-4 click HERE The answers to these questions are different for each family and there are no right or wrong answers. Your family is unique and your needs are different from your neighbor. All we want is for the parents and the student to be on the same page so that there are no surprises once the student … [Read more...]
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