Author to provide insights on overcoming challenges to students’ higher education transition
Navigating the transition from high school to college is challenging for students and their parents. Staying informed on the financial aspects of higher education can help ease some of the stress of this exciting and pivotal time. To help families better prepare for paying for college, ScholarShare 529’s College Countdown, a college prep program designed to help parents transition their teenagers to and through college, will livestream “Savings for College: The Final Sprint,” an interview with author Patricia A. Roberts on November 2, 2021 at 12:00 PM PDT. Attendees will learn more about paying for college and the benefits of a 529 plan.
Without proper planning, higher education can come with the risk of long-term student loan debt. According to educationdata.org, student loan debt in the U.S. totals $1.73 trillion, with 43.2 million student borrowers in debt by an average of $39,351 each. The “Saving for College: the Final Sprint” interview will provide families with valuable information on how to leverage available financial resources to help minimize reliance on loans.
“Families have been reminded throughout the pandemic of how higher education can increase employment sustainability when economic times are uncertain. Smoothing the path from high school to college sets our state’s youth up for greater success in the future,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board. “I encourage families to leverage ScholarShare 529’s College Countdown and this interview with Patricia A. Roberts to help build their confidence as they continue their educational pursuits.”
The event will be livestreamed Tuesday, November 2 at 12:00 P.M. PDT with a moderated opportunity for participants to ask questions and provide information on the following:
- Benefits of a 529 plan
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Answers to common questions from parents of high school students about college funding, including:
- What can the saved money in a 529 plan be used for?
- Do 529 savings impact financial aid?
- What can parents do with extra money in a 529 account after their student graduates?
- Should parents adjust their investment portfolio the year or two before their student goes to college?
- Insights on how to avoid long-term student loan debt
To learn more about ScholarShare 529’s College Countdown, visit https://collegecountdown.scholarshare529.com/.
About ScholarShare 529
ScholarShare 529 serves as California’s official college savings plan. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, ScholarShare 529 provides families with a valuable tool that offers a diverse set of investment options, tax-deferred growth, and withdrawals free from state and federal taxes when used for qualified higher education expenses, such as tuition and fees, books, certain room and board costs, computer equipment, and other required supplies. ScholarShare 529 manages over $12.46 billion in plan assets across more than 367,000 accounts as of 9/30/2021.
To open a ScholarShare 529 account or get more information about the plan, visit www.ScholarShare529.com. For information about the ScholarShare Investment Board, visit www.treasurer.ca.gov/scholarshare, like ScholarShare 529 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/scholarshare529, subscribe to the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtlSHU65BSCSpYCAmSVXl4Q and follow them on Twitter at @ScholarShare529.
About Patricia A. Roberts, J.D.
Patricia is a motivational speaker, author, and a veteran of the college savings industry. She has lead college savings initiatives at premier financial services organizations like Merrill Lynch and AllianceBernstein, and designed philanthropic programs encouraging college attendance like NYC Kids RISE. In her current role as COO at Gift of College, she promotes 529 plans as a financial wellness benefit in the workplace.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211026005301/en/
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