Episode 237: Getting Ready to Pay for College with Lucy Valandra, CFP® & Alexa Kane, CFP®, CDFA®, AIF®

Women's Money Wisdom

Ever wondered how to secure a bright educational future for your children without compromising your own financial well-being?

Join Melissa Joy, CFP®, CDFA®, and her insightful colleagues Lucy Valandra, CFP®, and Alexa Kane, CFP®, CDFA®, AIF®, as they share personal stories and helpful tips to make the college savings process smoother.

Lucy starts off with her heartwarming journey as a new mother to twin boys and the proactive steps she's taking toward their education savings. Meanwhile, Alexa, balancing life with two boys and a baby girl on the way, breaks down the many benefits of 529 plans—from tax advantages to their flexibility. Together, they discuss how dedicated college savings can provide both financial security and peace of mind.

We'll also explore the broad possibilities of educational funds beyond traditional four-year colleges, touching on trade schools, community colleges, and even off-campus housing.

Alexa dives deep into the critical balance between saving for college and securing your own retirement, emphasizing the importance of early and adaptable savings strategies. You’ll learn about lesser-known benefits of 529 plans, such as paying off siblings' student loans and redirecting leftover funds wisely.

This episode is packed with practical advice and personal anecdotes to empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your children’s educational futures and your financial health.

Listen and Learn:

• 529 plans offer tax advantages and flexibility for saving for college
• It is possible to repatriate funds from 529 accounts for other purposes, such as retirement savings or paying off student loans
• How to find a balance between saving for college and retirement is important

Resources:

• Connect with Alexa on LinkedIn
• Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn
• Listen to the College Savings Webinar here

Links are being provided for information purposes only. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact investment results. Pearl Planning cannot guarant

The previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https://stephenPearl Planning.com/

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1. Episode 237: Getting Ready to Pay for College with Lucy Valandra, CFP® & Alexa Kane, CFP®, CDFA®, AIF® (00:00:00)

2. College Savings Strategies for Women (00:00:01)

3. College Funding and Financial Planning (00:10:53)

4. 529 Savings Strategies and College Funding (00:26:05)