Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

college costs

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Don’t let Social Security steer you wrong. Also in the news: 3 times to think twice about paying for your kid’s college, a new episode of the Smart Money podcast on investing, and how to spot the signs of a better market for homebuyers.

Don’t Let Social Security Steer You Wrong
When to claim benefits is a complex decision. Don’t rely on the help line staff, and consider getting a pro’s help.

Pay for Your Kid’s College? 3 Times to Think Twice
Don’t take on college debt for your child if your financial health will suffer when your kid doesn’t pay the bill.

Smart Money Podcast: Nerdy Deep Dives: Investing, Part 1
Exploring your personal money background and how it can affect your investing choices.

The Property Line: Watch for Signs of a Better Market for Buyers
Home buyers can track the number of offers, days on market and inventory to see whether the market is becoming more favorable.

Q&A: How a 529 plan can help with education loans after graduation

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Dear Liz: I have a 529 plan for my niece who has now graduated from college. She has student loan debt and would like to use the money left in the 529 account to pay this debt. Is this allowable without incurring penalties?

Answer: Yes, up to $10,000.

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, or SECURE Act, of 2019 allows a beneficiary a lifetime limit of $10,000 to repay the beneficiary’s student loans, including federal and most private loans, without taxes or penalties. You can withdraw an additional $10,000 to repay student loans for each of her siblings.

If there’s still money left in the 529 after that, you have the option of changing the beneficiary to another qualifying family member (including the beneficiary’s spouse, children, siblings, in-laws, aunts and uncles, nieces and cousins, parents and grandparents). You also can change the beneficiary to yourself, as the account owner. Such beneficiary changes preserve your ability to make tax- and penalty-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses.

Wake up to the truth about ‘dream schools’

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The college admissions scandal — which recently led to a 14-day prison sentence for actress Felicity Huffman — exposed a group of wealthy parents’ obsession with getting their kids into the “right” school. Prosecutors say the families paid bribes, faked test results and pretended their kids were athletes to get them into selective colleges.

Unfortunately, many less affluent families also fall for the delusion that some schools offer golden tickets for their children’s futures, says Lynn O’Shaughnessy, author of “The College Solution.” Whether it’s an Ivy League college or a high-priced “dream school,” too many people believe certain educations are worth endless effort, stress — and debt.

In my latest for the Associated Press, the most important facts to know as you navigate the college admissions process and decide how much to spend.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why the Good Enough home may just be perfect. Also in the news: How to turn your retirement plan into an early-retirement plan, how to mess up a variable annuity, and why it’s important to calculate the cost of college – not just tuition.

The ‘Good Enough’ Home May Be Just Perfect
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.

How to Turn Your Retirement Plan Into an Early-Retirement Plan
Tweaking your ideas about retirement.

How to Mess Up a Variable Annuity
Mistakes can be costly.

Calculate the Total Cost of College—Not Just Tuition
There’s a whole lot more to pay for than just classes.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Teach your teens about college costs long before they apply. Also in the news: Haggling for vacation souvenirs, getting cheap car insurance for new drivers, and what to do with unexpected money.

Teach Your Teens About College Costs Long Before They Apply
Prepare them for reality.

Save Money on Souvenirs: Learn to Haggle
Make a plan and stick to it.

Getting Cheap Car Insurance for New Drivers
Discounts can add up over time.

What to Do With Unexpected Money
Be methodical.

Teach your teen about college costs starting now

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Many families struggle to pay college expenses for one or two kids. Certified financial planner Sarah Carlson, mother of two sets of twins, will soon have all four of her children in college at the same time.

The older twins are already there, to be joined soon by the younger two. But years ago, Carlson started teaching her children how to get an affordable education. One of the first steps was making clear what she would contribute.

“I let them know early on what I was comfortable spending and what I wasn’t,” says Carlson, who’s based in Spokane, Washington.

In my latest for the Associated Press, why you need to teach your teen about college costs long before the first application essay is written.