529 & Other College Savings Plans for Dummies [Paperback]

Margaret A. Munro (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2003

There’s no question: The cost of college continues to soar, even when the rest of the economy stagnates, and this reality is not likely to change any time soon. Fortunately, everyone, including you, the various governments (federal and state), and the colleges themselves, are in on this secret, so everyone can plan and plot, well in advance of that eventual first day of your child’s freshman year, ways to get that child there, and ways to help you pay the bills when they happen. Consider this book to be your accomplice.

529 & Other College Savings Plans For Dummies is simply a way to find a reasonable solution to a seemingly unreasonable problem: saving for future college costs in the sanest, least stressful way possible for you. In keeping with the theme of stress reduction, you can use this book in a variety of ways:

• As a reference: It’s all here: the ins, the outs, the do’s, and the don’ts. The world of college savings is one of very specific rules, and they’re here, in all their glory, and they’re all explained.
• As an advisor: It’s a case of the very good savings techniques, the merely okay savings techniques, and the truly ugly techniques (which you really want to avoid), and this book highlights them all.
• As a little light reading: Amazingly enough, the topic of money can be mildly amusing, and college savings is no exception. Read this with an eye towards the absurd, and you won’t go far wrong.

This down-to-earth book is designed to explain the strategies that are out there to help you save, save, save. There’s no doubt that the bill will be large; there’s also no question that, with planning, strategy, and purpose, you can achieve your goal. To help you get there, this book covers all these vital topics, and more:

• Evaluating all your resources
• Understanding the basics of Section 529 plans
• Working around the 529 shortcomings
• Contributing to Coverdell accounts
• Choosing savings bonds that work
• Looking at your investment options
• Searching for scholarships, fellowships, and grants
• Tapping into your Roth IRA
• Financial Aid 101

In this one-size-fits-all world, the powers that be have recognized that all people don’t save money the same way. Some save more, some save less, some can live with risk, and others can’t tolerate any risk. Clearly, no two are alike, but you’re all savers, either present or potential. Numerous options exist that make saving possible and desirable for everyone. 529 & Other College Savings Plans For Dummies is here to tell you that it is possible to understand the costs associated with college, both right now and in the future, and then find ways to pay for those costs.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Up-to-the-minute details on Section 529 Plans and Coverdell accounts

Find out which college savings plan is right for you – and get started saving!

Need help saving money for your child’s tuition? Don’t worry! 529 & Other College Savings Plans For Dummies covers all the ins and outs of 529 plans and Coverdell accounts, as well as more traditional saving plans. This straightforward guide helps you estimate future costs and develop a custom savings map for meeting your goals while Little Billy’s still young!

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Discover how to:

• Set your savings goal
• Start saving early
• Cut household expenses
• Take advantage of government money
• Invest in state-run or mutual fund-run plans

Change your savings plan mid-course

About the Author

Margaret A. Munro, EA, is an experienced professional counselor who helps families pick college savings plans based on their resources and objectives.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (August 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764537474
• ISBN-13: 978-0764537479
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #651,625 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Margaret Atkins Munro, E.A. is a tax consultant, writer and lecturer with over thirty years of experience in various areas of finance and taxation. She is an Enrolled Agent, licensed by the federal government to represent clients in the areas of tax and tax-related issues, and currently operates a widely diverse private practice which specializes, among other areas, in trust and estate accounting and income taxation.
A classic example of living a life that's not following the plan set out in college, Peggy received a B.A. in history from The Johns Hopkins University, and has also attended University College, Cork, and the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies in Toronto. She resides with her family in Vermont.
Peggy is the author of 529 & Other College Savings Plans for Dummies, and the co-author of Taxes (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009) for Dummies. She writes a bi-weekly column on anything and everything to do with money for The Montpelier (Vermont) Bridge, and has lectured extensively about taxes, and tax-related issues. She's been interviewed on numerous financial and tax-related topics by a variety of national media outlets, including CNN Radio, Family Circle Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, USA Today, Parents Magazine and the Associated Press.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the book to read about 529's, November 13, 2006

By 

Michellea David "tx2cagirl" (Ladera Ranch, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 529 & Other College Savings Plans for Dummies (Paperback)

After my baby was born, I knew I wanted to save for her college. I read this book and another 529 book. This book was the best. It walked me through the college savings process, explained how to get college financing, and listed all the 529 companies to go with for each state. It decussed tax issues as well. This was an easy read for someone that does not have a clue about 529's (Me).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Out of date!, March 14, 2011

By 

Jennifer Carter (Colma, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 529 & Other College Savings Plans for Dummies (Paperback)

"Dummies" is a great series but this particular book is woefully out of date (2003). Please revise and republish!!