education and major purchase planning
Educational articles in this subcategory.
Glossary: Education and Major Purchase Terms
Understanding the terminology used in education planning, home buying, and healthcare savings helps you make informed decisions and communicate effect...
Projecting Cash Needs for Adoption or Fertility Treatment
Building a family through adoption or fertility treatment involves significant financial planning alongside the emotional journey. Costs can range fro...
Travel Fund and Lifestyle Goal Planning
Lifestyle goals like major vacations, hobby equipment, or home improvements often get squeezed out by everyday expenses and long-term obligations. The...
Wedding and Major Event Budgeting
Weddings and major family events represent significant financial commitments that benefit from careful planning. The average American wedding costs be...
Healthcare Cost Planning Outside Retirement
Healthcare costs represent one of the largest financial uncertainties families face during their working years. A single surgery can cost $20,000 or m...
Vehicle Purchase Planning
Vehicle purchases rank among the largest financial decisions families make. The average new car costs over $48,000, and the average used car exceeds $...
Financing Major Home Renovations
Major home renovations often cost $20,000 to $100,000 or more. Most families don't have that amount in cash, so choosing the right financing method ca...
Rent vs Buy Decision Framework
The rent versus buy decision involves more than comparing monthly payments. A complete analysis considers transaction costs, maintenance, tax implicat...
Saving for a Home Down Payment
Saving for a home down payment is one of the most significant financial goals for families. The amount you need depends on the home price, loan type, ...
Paying for Graduate School
Graduate school represents one of the largest financial commitments a family can make. The total cost varies dramatically by program: MBA programs typ...
College Comparison Worksheets
Comparing college costs requires looking beyond advertised tuition rates. The true cost of attendance varies significantly based on financial aid, liv...
Scholarship Search Strategies
Scholarships represent free money for education that does not require repayment. A strategic approach to scholarship searching and applications can yi...
Study Abroad Cost Planning
Study abroad programs add significant costs beyond standard college expenses. Understanding the different program structures, their true costs, and av...
Gap Year and Sabbatical Financial Planning
Taking time away from work or school requires substantial financial preparation. Whether planning a gap year between high school and college, a mid-ca...
Saving for Private School Tuition
Private school tuition represents a significant financial commitment that requires years of planning. Understanding the true costs and building a stru...
Student Loan Repayment Strategy for Parents
Parent PLUS loans allow parents to borrow the full cost of attendance for their child's education, but this borrowing power comes with significant fin...
Financial Aid Forms: FAFSA and CSS Profile
Completing financial aid forms accurately and strategically can mean tens of thousands of dollars in aid over four years of college. The two primary f...
Coverdell ESAs vs UGMA/UTMA Accounts
When saving for a child's future, families often consider Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and UGMA/UTMA custodial accounts as alternatives...
529 Investment Option Selection
Selecting the right investment options within your 529 plan significantly impacts how much money will be available when your child starts college. Mos...
529 Plan Basics: Contributions and Limits
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed specifically for education expenses. These state-sponsored plans allow your contributions to g...