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global advisers wealth management
global advisers wealth management
College Planning2025-08-16T06:44:03-04:00

College Planning

College planning is more than savingโ€”itโ€™s a strategic process that balances rising education costs, tax efficiency, financial aid eligibility, and investment oversight. We help families prepare for college and beyond through tailored solutions that preserve wealth while funding opportunity.

Take charge of your financial future.

What Is College Planning?

College planning is a focused approach to preparing for future education expensesโ€”integrating savings strategy, tax planning, financial aid optimization, and protection. Our goal is to make higher education affordable without compromising your long-term goals.

Our College Planning Services

Our planning solutions are ideal for those who value strategic foresight and comprehensive analysis. This includes:

  • Savings Plan Selection: We evaluate and recommend the most appropriate savings vehiclesโ€”such as 529 Plans and Coverdell ESAsโ€”based on your goals, time horizon, and state tax benefits.
  • Investment Strategy Development: Your college savings portfolio is tailored to your risk tolerance and timeline, designed to grow efficiently and adjust as enrollment approaches.
  • Tax Efficiency: We structure your contributions and withdrawals to minimize tax impact and maximize available education credits and deductions.
  • Financial Aid Counseling: We guide you through FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and asset positioning strategies that can improve aid eligibility.
  • Education Cost Forecasting: We model future education costs (including inflation, tuition, and living expenses) to ensure youโ€™re saving at the right pace.
  • Gifting Strategies: Whether supporting children, grandchildren, or other loved ones, we help structure tax-efficient gifting plans that comply with IRS limits and maximize impact.
  • Ongoing Portfolio Oversight: We monitor and rebalance college savings accounts to protect gains and align with approaching education expenses.
  • Insurance & Risk Protection: We may recommend insurance-based solutions to protect your education funding plan from unexpected events like disability or death.
  • Loan Planning & Repayment Guidance: If borrowing is needed, we advise on student loan types, borrowing strategies, and repayment plans to manage future debt effectively.
  • Budgeting Support: We help you build a realistic budget to manage both current and future education-related costs while staying on track with other financial goals.

Who We Help

Our college planning services support a wide range of individuals and families, including those just beginning to save for young children, high-income professionals seeking tax-efficient education strategies, grandparents and relatives who want to contribute to a loved oneโ€™s education, adults returning to school or changing careers, and business owners planning for the education of their children or employees.

Related

FAQ About College Planning

How does college planning fit into an overall financial strategy?2025-08-17T01:19:25-04:00

Paying for college is one of the largest financial goals many families face. We help clients look at how education savings fits into their broader investment plan, balancing it alongside retirement, home ownership, and other priorities. Our role is to show how different savings choices may affect your long-term financial picture, without providing legal or tax advice.

What types of accounts are commonly used to save for college?2025-08-17T01:19:13-04:00

Families often use accounts such as 529 savings plans, custodial accounts, or general investment accounts. Each option has its own features, including potential tax advantages, flexibility, and ownership rules. While attorneys or tax professionals can advise on the specific tax treatment, we help clients compare how different accounts may align with their investment goals, time horizons, and liquidity needs.

How much should I save for college?2025-08-17T01:18:58-04:00

The right savings target depends on your familyโ€™s unique situation, including the type of school you expect your child to attend, projected costs, and other resources you may have available. We can run projections that illustrate different savings paths and how they may impact your overall financial plan. Decisions about how much to save are personal, and we provide guidance on aligning those choices with your long-term objectives.Paying for college is one of the largest financial goals many families face. We help clients look at how education savings fits into their broader investment plan, balancing it alongside retirement, home ownership, and other priorities. Our role is to show how different savings choices may affect your long-term financial picture, without providing legal or tax advice.

What happens if my child doesnโ€™t go to college or gets a scholarship?2025-08-17T01:18:48-04:00

Some accounts, like 529 savings plans, can be used for qualified education expenses beyond college or even transferred to another family member. If funds are not needed for education, they may be redirected or repurposed as part of your broader financial strategy. We help clients explore scenarios so they understand how unused funds may affect their investment planning, while tax or legal questions are best addressed with the appropriate professionals.

Considering a tailored, private family office experience?

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