March 12, 2019
As a father of three, I’ve often asked myself, “When should I start saving for my kids’ college educations?”. With dollars flying out faster than they’re coming in, where do I find the extra income in my budget… especially when life just happens? However, I feel like I have to start making plans! My kids are rapidly approaching their college years, with my oldest just four years away from beginning her higher education journey. Coincidentally, my kids will be in college for at least 12 consecutive years! So obviously, the sooner I start saving for my kids’ college educations, the better. Yet, before I start saving for college, there are a few things I need to first… and so do you.
October 10, 2018
According to the College Board (2016) study, called The Trends In College Pricing, by the year 2024, the average sticker price of a public education in a state college is expected to move up to $34,000 per year. For private schools that number is estimated to be around $76,000 a year. Let’s face it, college is getting ridiculously expensive and if you have little ones at home that you expect to help pay for their college, then you need to know how to set aside money for that. 529 savings plans are a particular investment vehicle allowing you to save or put away money specifically for education TAX-FREE!! Yes, you read that right, tax-free. Now, let’s consider what you may or may not know about 529 plans.
August 23, 2018
With today’s ever-advancing technology, tracking your finances has never been easier. No matter what route you’re hoping to take with your fiscal matters, there’s likely a website or app to help you get there. Here are my five top budgeting apps that can and will help you keep tabs on your money.
January 3, 2018
The holidays are over, and it is time to whip yourself back into shape. If you’re like most Americans, you likely blew your diet with tons of holiday goodies. However, your waistline may not be the only thing feeling a squeeze—77% of people blow their holiday budget. If you fall into that category, it’s time to trim more than just the turkey! Get your budget back on track so you can make the most out of the upcoming year.
January 1, 2018
We all do it at the beginning of every year; make resolutions with the intention of keeping them. And while you have kissed 2017 goodbye, it doesn’t mean you’re ready to tackle 2018, especially when it comes to your finances. So we here at Financially Simple decided to help you become happy, healthy and wealthy (to some degree) with 18 tips to help you clearly define and keep your financial New Years resolutions for 2018.
September 16, 2017
College tuition costs are a hot-button issue for most. After all in our recent Presidential election, one candidate planned to take on the rising cost of higher education if elected. Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in Knoxville, TN, a major college town, I know the extra strain saving for tuition puts on some of my clients. I’ve known them to use everything to help cover education costs; 529s, prepaid plans, UGMAs, and even Roth IRAs! In a recent conversation with one client, he blew me away with his novel idea on how he planned to pay for his child’s college education. I felt it was such a brilliant alternative to college savings plans that I needed to share it. Now his idea will not be for everyone, and it certainly isn’t a full proof plan. However, he certainly mastered the most creative way that I know of to lessen the […]