Paying for college

Jolynne_Smyth
Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:36:29 +0000

ellenmenope—I’ll ask re: the moneymarket option on 529. They told me there was no charge to switch to another 529; I’m thinking if I research and find the absolute most conservative one, at least we’d be better off than the current (assuming taking the stock loss now is a reasonable decision). Sounds like ‘moneymarket 529’ would fit that bill, possibly?

Interesting story, rocketman, re: the Starbucks (I’ve heard variations on that, but not the actual $$ breakdown–impressive). Motivating to start getting auto-payment on 6 year old’s 529…although given fiasco w/17 yo’s, thinking I should review that carefully now to (next on list).

Good point re: the 401k. Ours get the most payments allowable and company matches a percentage. Still, house is an incredibly large portion of our income (much larger percentage than advisable). This 529 situation has taught me, however, that it could be worthwhile to review hub’s 401k plan (although it’s handled by his company – by John Handcock, so not sure what flexibility re: that).

True also about houses leading to other attendant expenses, esp if neighbors are lavish. We’ve (of necessity) resisted this, but it’s always a vague pressure floating around out there.

Edit to add: I thought that too, Ijmom