Blog
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I've moved my blog to Substack! Check out some of my most recent posts below.
Subscribe now to keep up with me and access exclusive perks, including live discussions with college planning experts, time to ask me anything, and more.
Looking for my older blog posts? Check out my full blog archive below.
Blog archive
529 Plans and AMT
Many two-income Oregon families end up owing AMT due to our two-legged tax “stool.” That’s because, absent sales tax, we pay higher income and property taxes.
Obama’s Proposed Changes to 529 Plans
Part of President Obama’s proposal to “simplify the tax code” includes significant changes to the tax treatment of 529 plans and Coverdell ESA accounts: for new contributions (i.e, after enactment of this proposal, should that happen) distributions would no longer be tax-free, even if they are used for qualified education expenses.
FAFSA Treatment of Retirement Plan Contributions
Behold, FAFSA season is upon us! Well, not entirely– the FAFSA isn’t available until January 1. Nonetheless, confusion and questions about the FAFSA abound already.
Matching 529 distributions to qualified expenses
So Junior is off to college and now it’s time to start paying the bills. For those who have done a good job putting money away in a 529 account, it’s important that you time your distributions in the same year as your expenses. It’s time to learn about two forms: the 1099-Q and the 1098-T.
EFC: Why You Need to Know
EFC is your Expected Family Contribution. In the real world, think of it as your Minimum Family Contribution. There is no requirement that a school meet your need, though some will.