Paying for College
A New Way to Repay College Loans

A New Way to Repay College Loans
Parents may now use money from their 529 college-savings plans to help their children pay off student loans.
January 30, 2020
Yes, You Can Buy a Home, Start a Family AND Pay Off Your Student Loans

Yes, You Can Buy a Home, Start a Family AND Pay Off Your Student Loans
From loan forgiveness, to expedited payments and income-adjusted payments, there are strategies available to get a grip on overwhelming student debt.
November 20, 2019
Avoiding the Debt Trap for Your Child's Higher Education

Avoiding the Debt Trap for Your Child's Higher Education
A four-year college experience could easily cost a family $100,000 these days. So, to make it work, parents need to do three things: Start saving earl…
November 8, 2019
Do You Save for College or for Retirement? What Parents Need to Know

Do You Save for College or for Retirement? What Parents Need to Know
Here's a message that all parents need to take to heart: It's OK to put yourself ahead of your kids. In fact, putting your retirement needs ahead of t…
October 7, 2019
How to Help Grandchildren Pay for College

How to Help Grandchildren Pay for College
Follow these tax-saving strategies while gifting money to help fund their education.
August 30, 2019
How You — and Your Kids — Can Make Smart Student Loan Decisions

How You — and Your Kids — Can Make Smart Student Loan Decisions
The commitments you make now have consequences that could last for decades. Being well-informed about student debt and repayment can make a world of d…
August 20, 2019
The College Debit Card Trap

The College Debit Card Trap
High fees can make branded cards a bad deal.
August 1, 2019
The Best College Values

The Best College Values
Associate editor Kaitlin Pitsker joins the show to discuss Kiplinger’s annual college value rankings. Plus, Sandy and Ryan discuss tax holidays and ot…
July 30, 2019
Student Loans: To Solve the Problem, Understand the History

Student Loans: To Solve the Problem, Understand the History
It's no secret that college students today are in a bind. To avoid the pitfalls of crushing student debt, take a look at how we got into this sticky s…
June 10, 2019
The Problem With PLUS Loans

The Problem With PLUS Loans
New student loan rates are lower, but parent loans are still no bargain.
June 7, 2019
Your Boss May Help You Save for College

Your Boss May Help You Save for College
Some employers allow payroll deduction into 529 plans.
June 6, 2019
Get a Head Start on College Savings

Get a Head Start on College Savings
It’s a daunting prospect. In 18 years, attending an in-state public college for four years will likely cost a total of about $233,000.
May 13, 2019
Lessons Learned From the College Bribery Scandal

Lessons Learned From the College Bribery Scandal
Being a snowplow parent who removes obstacles is not the way to raise emotionally healthy, money-smart kids.
May 9, 2019
How to Decipher a Financial Aid Letter

How to Decipher a Financial Aid Letter
Some colleges blur the lines between loans and grants.
March 26, 2019
Understanding the Cost of College

Understanding the Cost of College
Kiplinger's staff writer and higher education guru Kaitlin Pitsker explains how parents and students can choose the best school that fits their financ…
March 11, 2019
How to Start Saving for Your Child's College Education

How to Start Saving for Your Child's College Education
It can feel overwhelming, but don't let that stop you, because you really can do it. Start today. Here's how.
March 11, 2019
Deadlines for 529 College-Savings Plan Distributions

Deadlines for 529 College-Savings Plan Distributions
You may be able to use the 529 money for more expenses than you thought. But you must take withdrawals in the calendar year you incur the expense.
November 26, 2018
The Advantages of Filing the FAFSA Form Early

The Advantages of Filing the FAFSA Form Early
You can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the next year of college starting October 1. And the earlier you file, the better your…
September 27, 2018
How to Help Pay a Grandchild's Tuition

How to Help Pay a Grandchild's Tuition
Learn what you can pay for and what will get taxed.
August 30, 2018
College Savings 101: Arguments Against 529 Plans and Alternatives That Might Work Better

College Savings 101: Arguments Against 529 Plans and Alternatives That Might Work Better
Before you pump money into a 529 College Savings Plan, make sure you have three important boxes checked. And even after you check those boxes, you mig…
August 20, 2018
Best Ways to Pay for Grad School

Best Ways to Pay for Grad School
Getting an advanced degree isn't cheap. But you may not need to go into debt.
May 9, 2018
Gifting College to Your Grandchild

Gifting College to Your Grandchild
With college costs skyrocketing, some grandparents are looking for ways to help pay for grandkids' educations. But before you pull out the checkbook, …
April 6, 2018
Invest in the Private College 529 Plan

Invest in the Private College 529 Plan
How you can use the money at colleges in the plan, and even at those who aren't.
March 8, 2018
Smart Ways to Study Abroad
Smart Ways to Study Abroad
Our crash course in paying for a student's stay overseas, from tuition to cell phone.
March 5, 2018
Colleges Slash Sticker Prices

Colleges Slash Sticker Prices
But lower published prices may not save you money.
November 1, 2017
Higher Education - Is College Worth It?
Higher Education - Is College Worth It?
Too many degrees are a waste of money. The return on higher education would be much better if college were cheaper.May 2014
October 12, 2017