As the cost of higher education continues to soar, financial planning for college has become an essential consideration for families. With tuition fees, room and board, textbooks, and other expenses adding up quickly, having a solid strategy in place can make a significant difference in ensuring your child's educational dreams become a reality without drowning in debt. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps and considerations for effective financial planning for college. 

‍

Understanding the Rising Costs of College Education

Before delving into financial planning strategies, it's crucial to grasp the magnitude of college expenses and their upward trajectory. According to the College Board's Trends in College Pricing report, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year was $10,940 for in-state students at public four-year institutions and $28,660 for students attending private non-profit four-year colleges¹. These figures don't even account for room and board, books, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses, which can easily add thousands of dollars to the overall cost.

The future outlook is equally daunting. Experts predict that tuition costs could double over the next decade, with private colleges leading the surge1. This means that families must adjust their spending and explore various options, such as scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans, to manage these escalating costs effectively.

Assessing Your Financial Situation and Goals

Before embarking on your financial planning journey, it's essential to take stock of your current financial situation and define your goals. Start by evaluating your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities to determine how much you can realistically contribute towards your child's education. Consider factors such as your retirement savings, outstanding debts, and other financial obligations that may impact your ability to save for college.

Next, establish clear goals for your child's education. Do you envision them attending a public or private institution? Will they live on campus or commute from home? Do you plan to cover the entire cost of their education, or will you expect them to contribute through part-time jobs or student loans? Answering these questions will help you set realistic targets and develop a tailored financial plan.

‍

Exploring College Savings Options

Once you have a clear understanding of your financial situation and goals, it's time to explore the various college savings options available. Here are some popular choices:

529 College Savings Plans

529 plans, also known as qualified tuition programs (QTPs), are tax-advantaged investment accounts specifically designed for education savings. Contributions to these plans are made with after-tax dollars, but the money grows tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free².

Many states offer their own 529 plans, and some even provide additional tax benefits for residents who participate. It's essential to research and compare the plans offered by different states to find the one that best suits your needs.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)

Coverdell ESAs are another tax-advantaged savings option for education expenses. Like 529 plans, contributions are made with after-tax dollars, and the money grows tax-deferred. However, there are income limits for contributing to Coverdell ESAs, and the annual contribution limit is lower than that of 529 plans³.

Roth IRAs

While not specifically designed for education savings, Roth IRAs can be a valuable tool in your financial planning arsenal. Contributions to Roth IRAs are made with after-tax dollars, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. If you find yourself with excess funds in your Roth IRA, you can withdraw the contributions (but not the earnings) penalty-free to pay for qualified education expenses⁴.

UGMA/UTMA Custodial Accounts

The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) and Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts allow you to set aside money for your child's future expenses, including education. These accounts are taxable, but they offer flexibility in how the funds can be used ⁵.

Traditional Savings Accounts and Investments

While not tax-advantaged, traditional savings accounts and investments can still play a role in your college savings strategy. High-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and taxable investment accounts can provide additional funds for education expenses.

Maximizing Financial Aid and Scholarships

In addition to your personal savings efforts, it's essential to explore all available financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in determining your child's eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans⁶.

Many colleges and universities also offer institutional scholarships and grants based on academic merit, athletic ability, or other criteria. Research the specific requirements and deadlines for these opportunities at the institutions your child is interested in attending.

Additionally, there are numerous private scholarships available from organizations, corporations, and foundations. Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com can help you search for and apply for these scholarships⁷.

‍

Developing a Comprehensive Financial Plan

With a clear understanding of college costs, your financial situation, and the various savings and aid options available, it's time to develop a comprehensive financial plan. Here are some key steps to follow:

1. Set Specific Savings Goals: Based on your child's educational aspirations and the projected costs, determine how much you need to save each month or year to reach your target. Use online calculators or seek the guidance of a financial advisor to ensure your goals are realistic and achievable.
2. Prioritize Your Savings: If your resources are limited, prioritize your savings efforts. Generally, it's recommended to focus on retirement savings first, as you cannot borrow for retirement the way you can for education. However, striking the right balance is crucial.
3. Implement a Diversified Savings Strategy: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Consider a combination of 529 plans, Coverdell ESAs, Roth IRAs, and other savings vehicles to maximize tax advantages and flexibility.
4. Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your designated college savings accounts. This approach ensures that you consistently contribute to your child's education fund, even when life gets busy.
5. Explore Tax-Efficient Strategies: Consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to identify tax-efficient strategies for your college savings efforts. This may include maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged accounts or taking advantage of education-related tax credits and deductions.
6. Review and Adjust Regularly: Your financial plan should be a living document that evolves as your circumstances change. Review and adjust your plan annually or whenever there are significant life events, such as a change in income, the birth of another child, or a shift in your child's educational aspirations.

Recent Changes and Considerations

The landscape of financial planning for college is ever-evolving, with recent changes and considerations that families should be aware of:

The FAFSA Simplification Act

The FAFSA Simplification Act, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, aims to streamline the FAFSA process and expand access to financial aid for low- and middle-income families. Key changes include fewer questions, the ability to list more colleges, and the availability of the FAFSA in multiple languages ⁸.

Additionally, the Act introduces a new methodology for calculating aid eligibility, known as the Student Aid Index (SAI), which replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The SAI formula is designed to provide more aid to more students, with a significantly greater number of students becoming eligible for the full Pell Grant⁹.

529 Plan Rollovers to Roth IRAs

Starting in 2024, a new provision in the SECURE 2.0 Act allows families to roll over unused funds from a 529 plan into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary. This change removes a significant barrier to investing in 529 plans, as families no longer have to worry about potential penalties or taxes if the funds are not used for qualified education expenses¹⁰.

However, there are limitations to this provision, including a lifetime maximum rollover of $35,000, a 15-year account age requirement, and restrictions on contributions made within the last five years.

Increased Pell Grant Amounts

The Biden-Harris Administration has secured the largest increase to Pell Grants in a decade, providing more financial aid to students from low-income backgrounds. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant award is $6,895, an increase of $500 from the previous year¹¹.

Expanded Eligibility for Federal Student Aid

Recent changes have also expanded eligibility for federal student aid, including the removal of certain restrictions related to drug convictions and selective service registration. Additionally, the FAFSA now allows students to list their legal guardians as parents, even if they are not biologically related¹².

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child doesn't attend college or has funds left over?

If your child decides not to attend college or has funds remaining in their 529 plan after completing their education, you have several options:

• Change the beneficiary to another family member who may need the funds for their education.
• Roll over the remaining funds into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary (subject to the limitations mentioned earlier).
• Withdraw the funds, but be aware that you may owe income taxes and penalties on the earnings portion of the withdrawal.

Can I use 529 plan funds for non-qualified expenses?

While 529 plan funds are intended for qualified education expenses, you can withdraw money for non-qualified purposes. However, you will owe income taxes on the earnings portion of the withdrawal, plus a 10% penalty¹³.

What if my child receives a scholarship?

If your child receives a scholarship, you can withdraw funds from your 529 plan up to the amount of the scholarship without incurring the 10% penalty. However, you will still owe income taxes on the earnings portion of the withdrawal¹⁴.

How do I choose the right 529 plan?

When selecting a 529 plan, consider factors such as investment options, fees, tax benefits offered by your state of residence, and the plan's overall performance. It's also essential to research the plan's rules regarding rollovers, withdrawals, and beneficiary changes to ensure it aligns with your needs.

‍

Conclusion

Financial planning for college is a long-term commitment that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By understanding the rising costs of higher education, assessing your financial situation, exploring various savings options, maximizing financial aid and scholarships, and developing a comprehensive plan, you can increase your chances of achieving your child's educational goals without sacrificing your own financial well-being.

Remember, the earlier you start saving, the more time your investments have to grow and compound. Seek guidance from financial advisors, stay informed about changes in education financing, and regularly review and adjust your plan as needed. With dedication and a well-executed strategy, you can pave the way for your child's future success while ensuring a secure financial future for your family.

Material prepared herein has been created for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation.  Information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable but was not verified for accuracy.  It is important to note that federal tax laws under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of the United States are subject to change, therefore it is the responsibility of taxpayers to verify their taxation obligations. 

Savvy Wealth Inc. is a technology company.  Savvy Advisors, Inc. is an SEC registered investment advisor. For purposes of this article, Savvy Wealth and Savvy Advisors together are referred to as “Savvy”.  All advisory services are offered through Savvy Advisors, while technology is offered through Savvy Wealth.  The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the speakers and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Savvy Advisors.