[JohnPaul1]

Hi Everyone

New parents out there, you're probably going through all the pleasures and pains of having a new addition to the family, and your head is probably in a MILLION places. God Bless You!! I will be completely honest, I am not a parent, though I am looking forward to the day I will be one.

The reason I'm posting today is to tell my quick sob story. My parents were absolutely terrific in every way. They were wonderful people, raised me very well, and gave me everything in their power. They neglected one thing though, and it was saving for my college. When I graduated from school I walked into the "real world" in debt of just over $50,000. I'm actually still in the process of paying off the loans, and it definitely has not been an easy journey.

I decided to choose a career path that helps parents with children of all ages lessen the burden of college expenses. There are tax advantaged plans that can help you save a little at a time over the long run to reach the goal of sending your kids to school without having them owe loan agencies an arm and a leg.

I don't care if you work with me, or with your own Financial Advisor, but I'm here to offer advice on how to get your family started. I just don't want your kids to have to start off the way I did!!! Feel free to reply to the post where I will answer general questions, or email me at JPZilko@gmail.com for personal questions. I would leave my Office or Cell # but I don't want to be prank phone called.

Enjoy!!
I send my best to all of you wonderful new parents out there!!
-John Paul

[MaryMacQ]

whats the advantage of saving in these plans as opposed to a regular savings account.

[JohnPaul1]

Good question...because most people do attempt to put money away in a savings account. The problem is that savings account earn interest at about .01%. There are several different types of investment vehicles that you can use. The most common, and the one I use with most of my clients is a 529 plan. A 529 plan allows your money to grow with the market, and you're able to withdraw your principal and interest in the account TAX FREE as long as its used for qualified reasons (i.e. college expenses, like books, room and board, tuition, etc...) The longer you save, the better off you'll be when college expenses come about.