college education Archives - Page 2 of 2

Goldilocks Returns; Market Ends Week “Just Right.”

jmuch2025-03-11T12:00:33-05:00January 21, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), AI, alternative energy, alternative investments, artificial intelligence, chicago, college education, CPI, debt, Fed, financial planning, financial strategy, income tax brackets, income taxes, Interest Rates, investing, investment, market volatility, markets, retirement, retirement planning, risk, risk management, social security, sustainability, taxes, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of January 20th, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks roared back last week, fueled by upbeat Q4 corporate reports and economic news that stalled inflationary fears.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.45 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, picking up 3.69 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 2.00 percent.

Goldilocks is Back
The “Goldilocks” narrative—an economy that’s neither too hot nor too cold—made a comeback last week.

Tuesday’s Producer Price Index report showed that wholesale prices rose less than expected in December—one piece of evidence suggesting a cooling economy.

Stocks jumped out of the gate Wednesday after the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed core inflation (minus volatile energy and food prices) rose less than expected. Investors also cheered Q4 reports from a handful of money center banks and positive news out …

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

jmuch2025-03-25T11:45:29-05:00February 28, 2024|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: 529, 529 plans, college education, financial planning, funding an education|

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

WHAT CAN YOU BUY WITH 529 DISTRIBUTIONS?

A 529 college savings plan is a tax-advantaged way to save for education expenses, and it’s not just limited to college anymore. Originally designed to help families save for higher education, these plans can now be used for a wider range of educational expenses, including K-12 tuition, private and religious schools, vocational schools, and even some international institutions. The plan offers flexibility, allowing individuals to use the funds for various educational purposes beyond traditional four-year college programs.

The primary advantage of a 529 plan is its tax benefits. Earnings on the funds grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals used for qualified education expenses are tax-free. However, it’s important to note that each state may treat 529 plan contributions differently, offering different state tax deductions or credits. Additionally, the fees and expenses associated with each 529 plan can vary, so …

Half Million Dollar Baby

jmuch2025-03-25T12:18:06-05:00April 6, 2023|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning, women|

Half Million Dollar Baby

What Does It Actually Cost to Raise a Child?

The costs associated with raising a child start right at birth. A hospital bill for childbirth can easily reach up to $20,000, depending on various factors such as the type of birth and insurance coverage. Additionally, prenatal care adds extra expenses, often making the total cost even higher.

Food Costs

Once a child is born, feeding them becomes a significant part of the budget. On average, parents spend nearly $2,500 each year on food for their children. Over 18 years, this adds up to almost $45,000. These costs increase as the child grows and their nutritional needs change.

Hiring Help

For households with two working parents, the cost of childcare can be substantial. Depending on the type of care, expenses can range from $5,436 to $24,243 per year. Whether it’s daycare, a nanny, or other forms of help, these costs are …

Ultimate College Checklist

jmuch2025-03-26T08:24:23-05:00July 12, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning|

Ultimate College Checklist

Ultimate College Checklist

With summer in the air, it means fall is just around the corner. And, for many, that means kids heading off to college.

Sending your child off to college is an exciting and emotional milestone for families, but many details require attention. At CTS Financial Group, we’ve helped families navigate this transition, and we’ve created a checklist of 13 essential tasks to ensure your child gets the most out of their college experience. Here are some key items to address:

Finances
College is expensive, so review your finances and consider using accounts designated for higher education, like a 529 Plan. If money is tight, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could be a good option, but consult a financial advisor before making that decision. You should also evaluate your car insurance policy to determine if adjustments are needed due to your child’s new living situation.

Health
Check if your …

Six Steps to a College Internship

jmuch2025-03-26T08:36:03-05:00April 25, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education|

Six Steps to a College Internship

Six Steps to a College Internship

Higher education has been in the news a lot recently – both because of March Madness and the College Admissions Scandal – so we wanted to explore the topic further and share insights on how to land a summer internship that can build a student’s personal brand the right way.

Landing a college internship is an important step toward building your career. Start by thinking long-term, but remember, you’re not locked into a single path. Internships allow you to explore different career options while gaining valuable experience, even if you’re unsure of your future job goals. They can help you develop key skills like decision-making, collaboration, and time management, all of which are essential as you transition into the workforce.

Gathering the right application materials is crucial. Along with your resume, which should be concise and data-driven, clean up your social …

CollegeWise Webinar – Harvard, Stanford or Bust

jmuch2025-03-26T10:35:45-05:00October 10, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, taxes|

CollegeWise: Harvard, Stanford or Bust – a Webinar

CollegeWise Webinar – Harvard, Stanford or Bust

Just what does it take to get into the top colleges and universities in the country? How do you identify the school that’s the best fit for your student?

On October 24th, join us for a webinar with CollegeWise, the nation’s largest college counseling organization. We’ll debunk college admission myths and show you what the college admissions process looks like from the inside.

We’ll also give you an overview of college savings options and how you can begin to financially prepare for your student’s amazing college adventure. Register here: http://bit.ly/2zU5AgA

if you enjoyed this resource, check out our resource center here.

Is College Worth It?

jmuch2025-03-26T09:43:53-05:00March 29, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning|

Is College Worth It?

Is College Worth it?
With college debt at an all-time high and first jobs challenging to find, you may be wondering about the ROI of a college education. The decision to attend – or not – is intensely personal. But, if college lies in your future or the future of someone you love, it is important to start the planning process as soon as possible.

Rising college tuition and mounting student loan debt have many Americans questioning if college is worth it. The decision to attend college is a major one with long-term financial and personal consequences. While a degree can lead to higher earnings and better job opportunities, it also comes with significant costs, including tuition, housing, books, and other expenses. Financial aid can help cover some of these costs, but many students still graduate with substantial debt.

The benefits of a college degree are clear. College graduates …