Contact Information:

Rachel Witt – College Planning Specialist

101 E. 90th Drive

Suite B

Merrillville, IN 46410

888-363-7147

Chris Lembesis – College Planning Specialist 

123 E. Ogden Ave.

Suite 102B

Hinsdale, IL 60521

877-455-4701

Matt Berry – College Planning Specialist

3530 State Rd. 26 E

Suite D

Lafayette, IN 47905

866-446-2211

College Planning Tip Of The Week

01/17/07

529 Gets More Attractive

Could fees on 529 college savings plans be dropping? According to USA Today, the answer is yes.

This year, Fidelity, Vanguard, American Century, TIAA-CREF and T. Rowe Price announced that they were cutting fees on their 529 plans.

Why the sudden change of heart, or wallet? The lenders are saying it’s to make 529 plans, which allow parents to put away money that can be used for education sans federal taxes, more affordable. USA Today also reports that regulators have been looking into the fees, which can vary widely even within one state.

How does this affect your plan? Check with your investment advisor. If you’ve been considering a 529 plan, check back in to see how the fees have changed so that you can make the best, and most affordable, decision for you and your family.

01/02/07

Community Colleges

We’ve written about the importance of community colleges before. They offer an affordable education option for students who either aren’t sure they want to go to a four year college, don’t need as extensive training as a B.A. or B.S. program would require, or are adults returning to school.

But the part-time nature of community college, from part-time students to part-time faculty, could be hurting students’ education experiences. According to Community College Survey of Student Engagement, student engagement drops when either the student or professor is part time – or both. Decreased student engagement, which means students do not take advantage of available resources like academic advising, means a lower chance for success.

“The reality is that community college students come to class and then they’re gone,” Kay McClenney, director of the Community College Survey of Student Engagement, said in an interview with insidehighered.com. “The question is how to bring advising into the classroom and not expect that students are going to go out of their way to make an advising appointment at the convenience of the college.”

What can you do? If your son or daughter – or you – is attending community college part time, ask about what resources are available, and if you are struggling, ask to meet with your professor, even if he or she is part time. Your education depends on it.