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how we are saving for our kids’ college and how you can, too

home / family life / how we are saving for our kids’ college and how you can, too
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When Maddy was born, we received a lot of parenting advice.

She needs to sleep with you. . . . and She definitely shouldn’t sleep with you.

Babies must be nursed exclusively for the first year.ย . . . . andย Babies must have rice cereal by six months.

She needs to cry it out on her own so that she doesn’t become a spoiled child.ย . . . . andย Babies must be picked up every, single time they cry so that they know they’re loved.

Some advice was appreciated, and, well. . . some was not.

Over and over, we asked ourselves: How do we know what to believe? One person we trust says one thing, and another person we trust tells us the total opposite.ย 

saving for college what parents need to know teachmama.com

It was nuts. We felt like we were going nuts.

And we are like many people I know. We were typical, nervous, first-time parents. We held our breath as we drove the whopping 1.1 mile from the hospital to our townhouse, and we stared wide-eyed at each other the minute we walked in the door. What. Do. We. Do. Now?

So much was uncertain. So much we didn’t know, and so much we wouldn’t know until we experienced it.

Parenting was the ultimate trial by fire. Parenting is the ultimate trial by fire.

It is a hard gig.

Just yesterday, we were teaching our kids to talk, walk, and ride a bike, and it seems like tomorrow–or for our family, next year–they’ll be running from class to class at high school.

I still cannot believe it.

So much is uncertain. So much we don’t know and we won’t know until we’re there.

But there’s one thing that everyone agreed on way back when we had three little ones running around the house and we were drowning in diapers and bottles.

There’s one piece of advice that every, single person gave us without hesitation: we needed to start saving for college now.ย 

And, friends, that’s what we did.

We opened a Maryland 529 Plan (it was called College Savings Plans of Maryland back then) for each of our three kids soon after they were born.

And though we were not putting away big bucks each month–goodness knows we didn’t have big bucks to put away–we were putting away something for them.

saving for college what parents need to know teachmama.com 1

saving for college what parents need to know teachmama.com 1

Does the idea of putting money away for your kids’ college tuition totally make you want to run and hide?ย  If so, I get it.ย  But listen–

It’s not scary, and it’s not too complicated.

And if we can do it, anyone can do it.

Saving for your children’s post-high school education is something parents should definitely look into, no matter how old their kids are right now.

I’m thrilled to be working with Maryland 529 to share with you a bit about these plans and how they can help your family.

Here’s the skinny. . .

How We Are Saving for Our Kids’ College and How You Can, Too —

We use a Maryland 529 Plan to save for our children’s college education. Within Maryland 529, there are two different Plans to explore: the Maryland Prepaid College Trust and the Maryland College Investment Plan.

You can choose to enroll for one Plan or both Plans. It’s up to you.

(And FYI: just because ‘Maryland’ is in the title, doesn’t mean you mustย use your savings at a Maryland college for either of the Plans! See below for more–)

saving for college what parents need to know teachmama.com 1

Here’s what you need to know:

Maryland Prepaid College Trust

  • This Plan lets you lock in tomorrowโ€™s tuition at todayโ€™s prices, and it is backed by aย Maryland Legislative Guarantee.
  • Enrollment is normally open between December and early April of each year. This year enrollment has been extended until May 31st! Enrollment is open to children from newborn through 12th grade.
  • Use to pay the full in-state or in-county tuition and mandatory fees at any Maryland public college or up to the Weighted Average Tuition toward nearly any private or out-of-state college.
  • There are many different payment options, and you can select the one thatโ€™s right for your family budget.

Now, take a look at a slightly different approach:

Maryland College Investment Plan

  • This Plan allows you to choose from a variety of investment options, so your investment return and principal value will vary, depending on the investment option you choose.
  • Enrollment is open to children and adults of any age, and you can enroll at any time!
  • Use at nearly any public, private, or technical college nationwide for any eligible higher education expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, course-specific fees or supplies.
  • You can start with as little as $25 per month, per portfolio through automatic monthly contributions or with a $250 minimum initial investment per portfolio.

Some people choose to go with both Plans.ย 

Why would they go with both? Choosing both Plans allows you to grab features of each Plan and lets you diversify your higher education savings. You could use the Prepaid College Trust towards tuition and mandatory fees and the College Investment Plan towards room and board, books, or additional tuition at private or out-of-state colleges. By investing in both Plans, you may also be eligible for an additional Maryland State income deduction. Any earnings are Maryland tax-free and federally tax-free when used toward eligible college expenses.

saving for college what parents need to know teachmama.com 1

saving for college what parents need to know teachmama.com 1

Still need more information?

Take a look at these helpful resources:ย 

  • The Maryland 529 Plan Comparison — Very helpful chart, especially for the visual learners in the mix.
  • Maryland Prepaid College Trust — Definitely check out some of this Plan’s Features and Benefits
  • Prices of the Maryland Prepaid College Trust
  • Tools & Resources — Want to attend a webinar or upcoming event to learn more?

Once you figure out what works for your family, you set it up and check it whenever you’d like. (At least that’s what we do!)

And I’d love to know what you think.ย  Are you using a Maryland 529 Plan to save for college? If so, which one?

To learn more about either of the Maryland 529 Plans, visit Maryland529.com. And one final reminder โ€“ enrollment in the Maryland Prepaid College Trust ends on May 31st. To enroll online, click here!

saving for college what parents need to know teachmama.com 1

saving for college what parents need to know teachmama.com 1

FYI: This post is written as part of a partnership with Maryland 529, an independent, non-profit State agency that provides flexible and affordable 529 plans to help Maryland families save for college expenses and reduce dependence on student loans. As always, my opinions are all my own, influenced only by my experience as a parent and educator.ย 

Please read the entire Enrollment Kit carefully before deciding to enroll. The Maryland Prepaid College Trust and Maryland College Investment Plan Disclosure Statements provide investment objectives, risks, expenses and costs, fees, and other information you should consider carefully before investing. If you or your beneficiary live outside of Maryland, you should compare Maryland 529 to any college savings program offered by your home state or your beneficiaryโ€™s home state, which may offer state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such stateโ€™s 529 plan. Tax benefits may be conditioned on meeting certain requirements, such as residency, purpose for or timing of distributions, or other factors, as applicable.ย T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., Distributor/Underwriter, Maryland College Investment Plan.

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About amy mascott

teacher, mother, dreamer. lover of literacy, fun learning, good food, and three crazy-cool kids. finder of four-leaf clovers | dc metro ยท http://about.me/amymascott
tweet with me: @teachmama

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I have been sharing my fave, super-COOL, Advent Calendars for teens and adults in my stories today!

This one right here was ours from last year, and we โค๏ธ LOVED it!

It is made by @sugarfina and each day we were surprised with FABULOUS sweet treats! 

Good-bye to the ole, crappy, tinfoil chocolates. Weโ€™re taking fun, new, and different candies each day of the month!

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I showed how I was doing with the LEGO Flower Bouquet (๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒผ) and how many other awesome sets are 15% off and FREE SHIPPING (yayyyyy!!) over on @zulily ๐Ÿ’œ. 

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Check out the AWESOME set that is PERFECT for teens, grandparents, and ANY grownup who likes to create! 

This bouquet will last forever!

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๐Ÿ’œ toys

๐Ÿค books or magazines 

๐Ÿ’œ pantry items, snacks, & treats

๐Ÿค haircare or cosmetics 

๐Ÿ’œ pet toys, treats, or accessories 

๐Ÿค personalized gifts

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๐Ÿค coats, hats, scarves 

๐Ÿ’œ just about anything you can imagine!

Follow my stories for the deals and steals for families and educators, or check the Zulily Highlight!

Especially nowโ€”as we move into the exciting holiday seasonโ€”I will more frequently share items, and they will MOVE QUICKLY! 

So make sure you are checking in regularly, and pleaseโ€”if you are looking for specific items and a specific price point, let me know! 

I am happy to do some research to help you out!

๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ

#zulilypartner #linkinbio #ad #holiday #giftgiving bestgifts

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THE best toy for kidsโ€”and classrooms!โ€”is on sale right now. 

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is only $34.99 on Zulily WITH an extra 15% off!

Stock upโ€”think: teachers, daycare providers, classrooms!
AND birthdays, holidays or rainy days!

This is a toy that I cannot recommend highly enoughโ€”perfect for littles through elemor middle school. 

From a tween I know and love: The *click* of the magnetic blocks is so satisfying, and honestly, theyโ€™re just really fun and relaxing to use. 

๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸช๐ŸŸง๐ŸŸฉ

hereโ€™s the link that will get you AN ADDITIONAL 15% off โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/JrDdbE

And remember: FREE SHIPPING ON orders of $89+

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THE perfect gift for the tweens and teens in your life: zulily.gfpv.net/gb2NAA

@zulily #ad #giftsfortweens #giftsforteens
View
Open
Celebrate, we will! โ€˜Cause life is short but sweet for certain. . . 

What a weekend. So incredibly proud of all of these talented athletes!

๐Ÿ† 3rd in the state of Maryland for @sherwoodcheerleading ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿค

UMD Womenโ€™s Basketball won todayโ€” great job by @marylandcheer โค๏ธ๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ–ค

#lovethesegirls #cheerweekend #marylandlife #lifeinmaryland #moco
View
Open
This Sugarfina Advent Calendar is what your teens want. 

$33 shipped TO YOUR DOOR w my 10% off and FREE SHIPPING!

Normally itโ€™s $60! 

I have been sharing my fave, super-COOL, Advent Calendars for teens and adults in my stories today!

This one right here was ours from last year, and we โค๏ธ LOVED it!

It is made by @sugarfina and each day we were surprised with FABULOUS sweet treats! 

Good-bye to the ole, crappy, tinfoil chocolates. Weโ€™re taking fun, new, and different candies each day of the month!

Grab it here: zulily.gfpv.net/MX9Ngn

#linkinbio @zulily #adventcalendars #adventforteens
View
Open
Hey #MoCo Voters, Itโ€™s #ElectionDay2022! 

Do you need a ride to the polls? If you do, @VOTE411 and @lyft has got you covered! 

So, #NoExcuses. Get out there and make your voice heard!

#VotePlan #VoteReady #expectus #MomsDemandAction #appleballot #MCEA
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Get out and VOTE. 

Please. 

Not sure where to vote? https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/

#midtermelections #getoutandvote๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ #linkinbio
View
Open
Did you have a chance to join my IG live today?

It was a rainy, gross Sunday here in Maryland, and I shared one of my top picks for the holidaysโ€”> LEGO but for BIG KIDS. 

Or GRANDPARENTS. 

Or PARENTS. 

Actually ANY grown-up who likes to unplug once in a while and CREATE. 

I showed how I was doing with the LEGO Flower Bouquet (๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒผ) and how many other awesome sets are 15% off and FREE SHIPPING (yayyyyy!!) over on @zulily ๐Ÿ’œ. 

Check it out. Theyโ€™ve got a ton of sets to choose from, like 
Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Friends, Disney, Mario Brosโ€”you name it. 

Find them here: https://zulily.gfpv.net/jWqkmn

Fab prices + free shipping = BIG WIN. 

#linkinbio #ad #LEGOforgrownups #everyonelovesLEGO #holidaypicks
View
Open
LEGO at 15% off and FREE SHIPPING! 

Check out the AWESOME set that is PERFECT for teens, grandparents, and ANY grownup who likes to create! 

This bouquet will last forever!

๐ŸŒผ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’

Use this link โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/jWqkmn

#bestgiftsforkids #grandparentgifts #ad #LEGOforgrownups @zulily
View
Open
WHAT HAS ARRIVED FROM @zulily !?

Since Zulily carries such a vast array of items, it could be ANYthing: 

๐Ÿ’œ boutique-style clothes or shoes

๐Ÿค brand-name clothing & shoes

๐Ÿ’œ toys

๐Ÿค books or magazines 

๐Ÿ’œ pantry items, snacks, & treats

๐Ÿค haircare or cosmetics 

๐Ÿ’œ pet toys, treats, or accessories 

๐Ÿค personalized gifts

๐Ÿ’œ houseplants, seeds, or bulbs

๐Ÿค basics for kids through adults

๐Ÿ’œ craft supplies and kits

๐Ÿค furniture or home goods

๐Ÿ’œ designer handbags, sunglasses, or belts

๐Ÿค luxury items and gifts

๐Ÿ’œ sports equipment 

๐Ÿค sports gear for ALL fansโ€”NFL, MLB, NCAA, you name it

๐Ÿ’œ small appliances & kitchen items

๐Ÿค towels, sheets, blankets, linens

๐Ÿ’œ home storage & organization items

๐Ÿค coats, hats, scarves 

๐Ÿ’œ just about anything you can imagine!

Follow my stories for the deals and steals for families and educators, or check the Zulily Highlight!

Especially nowโ€”as we move into the exciting holiday seasonโ€”I will more frequently share items, and they will MOVE QUICKLY! 

So make sure you are checking in regularly, and pleaseโ€”if you are looking for specific items and a specific price point, let me know! 

I am happy to do some research to help you out!

๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ

#zulilypartner #linkinbio #ad #holiday #giftgiving bestgifts

Want to check it out for yourself? zulily.gfpv.net/teachmama
View
Open
๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸฅ๐ŸŸฉ๐ŸŸจ

THE best toy for kidsโ€”and classrooms!โ€”is on sale right now. 

The 101-piece PicassoTile Building Set (WITH CARRYING CASE!)
is only $34.99 on Zulily WITH an extra 15% off!

Stock upโ€”think: teachers, daycare providers, classrooms!
AND birthdays, holidays or rainy days!

This is a toy that I cannot recommend highly enoughโ€”perfect for littles through elemor middle school. 

From a tween I know and love: The *click* of the magnetic blocks is so satisfying, and honestly, theyโ€™re just really fun and relaxing to use. 

๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸช๐ŸŸง๐ŸŸฉ

hereโ€™s the link that will get you AN ADDITIONAL 15% off โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/JrDdbE

And remember: FREE SHIPPING ON orders of $89+

#ad #linkinbio #besttoysforkids #dealoftheday

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