The Tempus Podcast

College Planning That Balances Flexibility and Growth (Ep. 19)
Rising tuition costs leave many families searching for the “perfect” savings vehicle, but there isn’t one. The key is balancing tax benefits, penalties, and optionality while keeping long-term growth in mind.
Join Dan Paikin and Robert Schlesinger as they explore the importance of saving consistently, weighing the pros and cons of 529 plans, and keeping accounts flexible for real-life outcomes.
Discover how various savings tools affect financial aid, when options like taxable accounts or life insurance loans may be smarter choices, and why scholarships and vocational paths should remain key considerations in any plan.
Key takeaways include:
- Why savings habits matter more than timing markets or chasing returns
- The benefits and limitations of 529 plans, including the Roth rollover provision and penalties
- Alternative strategies such as taxable accounts, life insurance borrowing, and HELOCs
- How account ownership (529, Coverdell, UTMA/UGMA) impacts financial aid formulas
- The role of scholarships, vocational programs, and children contributing to their own education
- And more!
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