College Plan 101 provides the most comprehensive solutions available by integrating college savings strategies, financial aid strategies, tax strategies, and more to help you save and prepare for college while protecting your future,  College Plan 101 provides solutions for the early stages of college planning.  The early stages will range from a newborn up to eighth grade.  This is considered the accumulation phase in planning for college and requires a unique approach to planning. Determining the appropriate college savings vehicles is one step.  Here are some to consider:

• Qualified Tuition Plans such as the 529 plan or a Prepaid Tuition Plan.
• Real Estate Investments which may include rental properties and other real estate investments.
• CollegeSure Certificate of Deposit from College Savings Bank.
• US Treasury Savings Bonds, including Series EE Savings Bonds and Treasury Inflation-Indexed Securities (TIPS).
• Coverdell Education Savings Accounts also known as Education IRAs.
• Retirement Plan Savings Accounts such as Defined Benefit Plans, IRAs, Roth IRA’s, SEP IRA’s,and 401(k) plans.
• Deferred Compensation Plans.
• UGMA/UTMA Custodial Accounts.
• Investment vehicles such as savings accounts, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, Unit Investment Trusts, Exchange Traded Funds.
• Section 2503(c) Minor's Trust.
• Variable Life Insurance, Universal Life, and Indexed Universal Life Policies (using the cash value).
• Card Rebate Programs. These are programs such as Upromise, BabyMint, and SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards. 
• Paying down your mortgage or Home Equity Line of Credit

Ownership of assets-Another key is establishing the proper ownership of the various college savings vehicles.  It’s important to determine the best ownership options for a specific savings vehicle. Financial Aid-Your financial aid eligibility is another consideration even in the accumulation phase.  This has a major impact on what type of savings vehicle can be used.  Tax Planning for College-In the early stages of saving for college it is advisable to understand what the tax ramifications may be.  How will your savings program be impacted by the current tax laws?  What tax advantages can you take advantage of now?  As a business owner, what options are available to reduce taxes?   

All of this planning in the early stages of college planning can put you on the fast track for your success.  To request additional information, go to the Home Page under Resources.