Secure Today’s Tuition Rates with a Private 529 Plan | Jonathan Sparling | Ep 10

Planning for your child's college education can be a daunting task, but utilizing a 529 plan can make it a little easier. These tax-advantaged savings plans are specifically designed to help families save for future education expenses. One option within the 529 plan umbrella is the College Well Private College 529 Plan, which offers its own set of unique advantages. 

529 Plans: A Potential Long-Term Solution for Educational Expenses 

College Well’s prepaid plan allows you to lock in today's tuition rates at eligible colleges and universities. This can be a great option if you know where your child will be attending school and want to avoid future tuition increases. 

"The good news is if you're saving in the plan, not only are you locking in and saving for all of the close to 300 schools in the plan at the same time, if you're actively saving and we happen to add a school, you would also be locked into their tuition and fee rates based on when you were saving." - Jonathan Sparling 

 

Preparing for College Costs: A Family Financial Strategy 

(00:03:11) 529 Plans: Locking Tuition vs Investment Options 

(00:12:11) Maximizing Benefits: Qualified Expenses in 529 Plans 

(00:15:44) Versatile 529 Plan Legislation for Education 

(00:21:06) 529 Plan Tax Benefits Across States 

(00:29:41) Proactive Financial Strategies for College Success 

 

Jonathan Sparling serves as a knowledgeable advocate for College Well and emphasizes the critical role of early discussions about college planning and costs, urging families to engage children in conversations about the value of higher education and to visit college campuses to demystify college life and financial aspects.  

Jonathan highlights the unique benefits of College Well's prepaid 529 plan, which allows families to lock in current tuition rates at nearly 300 private colleges, offering a safeguard against future tuition inflation. He sees College Well as an essential resource for families, particularly those with children in middle or high school, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about college savings and financial aid. 

 

Key Tips on 529 Savings and College Expenses: 

• Learn the difference (and varying benefits) of state-sponsored 529 plans versus private 529 plans like that at collegewell.com 

• Determine which savings or prepaid tool is best for your family’s college planning based on your income, which school your child wants to attend, and what specific costs you’ll incur as your child goes to college 

• 529 savings plans involve after-tax contributions and investment options 

• Qualified expenses in 529 plans include tuition, fees, room and board, and certain travel expenses 

• The evolving landscape of 529 legislation now includes K-12 expenses, student loan repayment, and apprenticeship programs 

• State income tax breaks for college savings contributions vary by state 

 

Connect with Jonathan Sparling:  

CollegeWell: https://www.collegewell.com/authors/jonathan-sparling/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-sparling-pc529/ 

 

Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 

*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 

 

Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 

The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included. 

 

Podcast video editing & management provided by podcastabundance.com