Writing Argumentative Essays About Education Issues

Composing Argumentative Essays About Education IssuesWhen you are composing a factious exposition, one of the primary things you have to consider is your point. You have to ensure that your article has enough data and profundity to fulfill the guidelines of the gauges for conversation papers. The article ought to be clear and compact, so as to assist it with standing apart from the others in its class.It is ideal to begin composing a contentious paper from a subject that is applicable to the subject of instruction. For instance, on the off chance that you were composing an article about science, you would need to incorporate logical terms and thoughts into your exposition. This will assist understudies with recalling the nuts and bolts of your topic.Once you have picked a subject, consider the points you might want to handle in your contention. Before you compose your exposition, put aside an ideal opportunity to converse with a companion or your educator about the subject. This will give you a head start on your article and assist you with conceptualizing thoughts. You may likewise need to carry a note pad with you as you talk about the point, so you can write down thoughts for the essay.As you research various themes, you will have the option to think of a thought for the exposition that depends on your instructor's supposition or an examination paper. By acquiring different zones of study into your exposition, you can make a topic that will assist you with finishing your contentions. Your topic will enable your exposition to stream, and it will be simpler to get past in the event that you have a steady theme.Another thought is to explore the subject of instruction issues and discover how different understudies are adapting to it. On the off chance that you are composing an exposition about learning handicaps, attempt to discover what kinds of strategies are best for teaching understudies. These strategies could incorporate instructive programming, elective c ourses, and specialized curriculum programs.The more data you need to bring into your paper, the simpler it will be to compose. Continuously start by composing your theme, and afterward ensure you compose your contention so as to ensure that your subject is clear. In the event that you don't totally comprehend your theme, you may make some hard memories assembling your arguments.After you have finished the whole exposition, check it cautiously for blunders. You need to ensure that your theme is incorporated, and that the thoughts you included are pertinent to the subject. The exact opposite thing you need to do is neglect to incorporate the topic that you needed.Remember that your subject and instruction issues are two significant components to remember for your paper. At the point when you are prepared to compose, ensure you compose your subject first, and utilize your theme as a guide when thinking of your contention.

Use 4th Grade Essay Writing Samples to Improve Your Essay Writing

Utilize fourth Grade Essay Writing Samples to Improve Your Essay WritingBeing ready to take guidance from composing tests can truly have any kind of effect with regards to your paper composing process. Exposition composing tests can assist with guaranteeing that you compose the most ideal papers and that you aren't left with a lot of trash in your grasp. Peruse on to get some answers concerning the four fourth grade papers composing tests that can assist with ensuring that you compose the best expositions you potentially can.One of the most essential of the article composing tests that will be valuable for center school understudies is one that has been utilized commonly previously. In case you're searching for an extremely fundamental example, the standard center school article tests that you will discover will assist you with focusing on the key purposes of the paper. On the off chance that the school gives a composing administration that incorporates this essential sort of article , it will go far towards ensuring that you have the experience expected to compose a paper of any sort later on. In any event, for understudies that are simply starting their training, there is an a lot more straightforward and simpler approach to guarantee that your article is both fruitful and well written.One of the more troublesome kinds of center school exposition to compose is one that requires more word check. There are composing administrations that attention on these sorts of articles just as different kinds of increasingly complex papers that are less basic in the current educational plan. So as to ensure that you get the best out of your instruction, it is imperative to attempt to take on as much composition as possible.The last two papers are both further developed and require more of a grip of syntax and sentence structure. These sorts of articles can be more earnestly to compose than the kinds of expositions that are ordinarily remembered for center school, however in the event that you set aside the effort to get familiar with them, you will find that they are unquestionably achievable by the individuals who set aside the effort to do as such. This is probably the most straightforward approaches to guarantee that you compose the most ideal article without giving up your very own lot personality.The first of the expositions, which originates from a blueprint of a paper, can assist with characterizing what is anticipated from you when you start the genuine creative cycle. The framework can show you the means associated with composing a draft of the article. It will likewise enable you to realize what you have to do to finish the whole paper.The second of the center school exposition composing tests originates from the article you write because of the layout. At the point when you meet with the layout, you will be given explicit inquiries that will be posed all through the exposition. When you answer these inquiries, you will be prepared to chip aw ay at the exposition itself.The third and last example originates from a paper that has not yet been composed. At the point when you meet with the composing administrations, you will be given a lot of choices to look over, and these will all be accessible to you for survey once you are finished with the layout and the entirety of the assignments that have been doled out to you. You will be allowed to take a shot at these expositions yourself and work through any issues that may emerge in the composing process.Each of these papers can be utilized to give you tips on the most proficient method to compose an article. While there are a wide range of sorts of article composing tests accessible to you, there are just a couple of them that will be useful. On the off chance that you set aside the effort to investigate the composing administrations that are accessible to you and to take a gander at the paper tests that are on offer, you will find that they are there to assist you with accomp lishing the best degree of progress conceivable.

Change Up Your Essay Topics

Switch Up Your Essay TopicsIf you have been taking a gander at your paper point and imagined that you have a quite smart thought about what to expound on, you might need to think about changing your subject. While it might be enticing to stay with a similar subject, there are a lot of different approaches to change up your topic.One of the greatest errors understudies make when they initially start composing articles is to just stay with a similar exposition themes over once more. While you may imagine this is the most regular approach, this isn't the most profitable approach either. The reason for article themes is to keep the understudy drew in, not to rehash a similar data time again.After all, when you are first beginning, you will no doubt be keen on taking a shot at various subjects. You will find that in the event that you invest enough energy exploring the material, you will before long have the option to make some energizing new subjects for your paper themes. As you gain in volvement in your examination and composing, you will find that you can concoct new themes that you had never considered before.Just recollect, on the off chance that you utilize a similar unique subject time again, you will at last overlook the better purposes of your paper and can without much of a stretch lose your perusers. Rather, pick a unique subject and start your exploration. After you have a strong base of information, you would then be able to take some imaginative freedoms and give your exposition a one of a kind twist.It is likewise essential to recollect that when you are taking a shot at a unique theme, it is crucial that you don't rehash a ton of data. Or maybe, you should concentrate on the central matter of your paper, just as its most fascinating pieces, while keeping up your originality.When you set aside the effort to contemplate, plan and exploration for your exposition, you will immediately turn out to be increasingly OK with composing and will have the option to think of some extraordinary new thoughts for article themes. The examination doesn't need to be an exceptionally concentrated or costly procedure. Indeed, commonly an excursion to the library can furnish you with the entirety of the exploration that you need.As you find new and energizing subjects to expound on, you should attempt to abstain from making them excessively like one another. This can restrict your chances for inventiveness and development. Rather, keep them fascinating and not the same as each other.Do not restrain yourself with regards to the points that you decide to expound on in your paper. Utilize your creative mind and discover something new to expound on consistently. You will before long find that you can compose and explore expositions that are one of a kind and engaging to peruse.

Topics to Write a Discursive Essay On

Subjects to Write a Discursive Essay OnThere are a lot of points to compose a desultory article on. They incorporate anything from race relations, to history, to recent developments. Your point will be not the same as any other person's remember to the point that when you start writing.The troublesome subjects to compose a rambling article on will give your perusers something new to consider. It will compel them to address what they definitely know. Your work will turn out to be increasingly significant the more it is thought about.Have a framework for your paper. Think about a theme and how it will connect to the entirety of different subjects you have expounded on. At the point when you initially start, you may be overpowered by the entirety of the themes to compose a desultory exposition on. Having a framework will make it simpler to choose the ones you need.Write out the most significant focuses about every subject. Make certain to abstain from meandering aimlessly or murmuring w hen you are working out your paper. Your sections should stream with the goal that the peruser can follow the data. Be succinct and remember the points!In request to have your exposition composed, put it in sequential request. This will make it simpler to discover data and discover the focuses you need to make. Spot the most significant focuses at the highest point of the exposition and work your direction down.Read different articles you have composed. Ensure you know about what you are expounding on. Discover the most widely recognized purposes of your perusers will raise. Realize the most ideal approaches to address those questions.When you believe you have secured enough, peruse and rehash your exposition. Be certain you have the focuses that are referenced in different papers. You may likewise need to investigate a portion of your paper tests to perceive how they are arranged. This will give you thoughts for your own essay.It can be a smart thought to have somebody who can inve stigate your work. You would prefer not to take analysis and be agitated with it. A companion or somebody who is educated about the subject can give you legit criticism that will enable you to improve.

Essay Topics For the Pearl

Exposition Topics For the PearlIf you're attempting to compose a momentary paper, you might be keen on some counsel on article subjects for the pearl. The pearl is one of the most well known paper themes among undergrads. Here are a few hints on the most proficient method to compose an exposition on the pearl.First, you should realize what the pearl is. It's a generally unassuming community. It's situated in North Carolina. It's very little bigger than you may might suspect. In case you're hoping to put in a couple of days there, it might be too small.If you can figure out how to show individuals what life resembles in the pearl, they will recollect that for quite a long time. Likewise, ensure you can connect the way of life of the pearl to your postulation point. The pearl has a similar name as a town in New England.One of the significant things to recollect is to pick the theme that will function admirably for you. There is a ton of paper points out there for the pearl. You need to pick one that you feel great with. Try not to feel like you need to give a long history exercise or invest a mess of energy looking at something besides the pearl.Remember to follow a decent article subject for the pearl and to likewise focus on your sentence structure. Individuals do peruse articles that are elegantly composed. A decent exposition subject for the pearl needs to get over the primary concerns of the paper. This may incorporate demonstrating individuals photos of an excellent town, getting recollections from your excursion, and ensuring that your peruser gets a diagram of the whole story.Remember that when composing exposition themes for the pearl, you may need to give a prologue to your article. Since the pearl is little, you have to utilize it for your potential benefit. Recollect that numerous individuals will have the option to make sense of what the article is about a direct result of the pearl's size.Good instances of paper themes for the pearl can be found on the Internet. More often than not, you'll get references to a town in North Carolina or references to the historical backdrop of the pearl in the days of yore. You'll likewise discover a wide range of various depictions. For whatever length of time that the article identifies with the pearl and its history, you can decide to compose the exposition as you wish.If you have an inclination that you don't have a sufficient association with the pearl, take a stab at going through a day there. Maybe you'll like it so much that you'll need to restore the following year. You could likewise consider learning the nuts and bolts before you even beginning composing the article. Regardless of whether you don't get the opportunity to give the pearl for instance of an article subject for the pearl, you'll despite everything have the option to get some extraordinary models.

Essay Topics For College Students - How To Create A Powerful Argumentative Essay Topic

Article Topics For College Students - How To Create A Powerful Argumentative Essay TopicHave you considered the point for your fascinating, pugnacious exposition subjects for understudies? While it's anything but difficult to submit themes to the exposition subject database, you'll need to know a portion of the key focuses to expound on. A few themes are just educated in school classes, while others are presumably increasingly customary school composing prompts.When making exposition points for undergrads, you'll need to realize what sorts of thoughts you're introducing. In case you're composing on sex, there's a ton to talk about and points to expound on incorporate sentiment, the perils of sex, and new thoughts around there. So as to get over the data you're searching for, you'll should have the option to utilize language in an intriguing manner and to tell your crowd what they're getting from perusing your essay.Argumentative understudy subjects are a decent theme to have for unde rstudies with a decent handle of rationale and proof. You can't present a pugnacious contention without a touch of uncertainty, so how would you present your position without getting into an excessive amount of hazard? It's everything about introducing something that bolsters your place of view.Reasoning is a fundamental instrument for understudies to traverse school, however understudies without a base in the necessary themes will battle to make passing marks. Individuals who don't have a base in the subject frequently get befuddled and need a successful methods for clarifying their perspectives. It's ideal to consider the person that will peruse your paper as an individual who has various assessments on an assortment of topics.Interesting contentious exposition themes for undergrads incorporate the perfect method to sort out your data. You should consider the appearance you're attempting to make with your article themes for undergrads. This incorporates knowing how you'll be utili zing the text styles and the sort of designing that will give your perusers a sentiment of scholarly sophistication.One of the things you'll need to remember when you're settling on fascinating, pugnacious article subjects for undergrads is the thing that sorts of points they're probably going to expound on. Examination themes can incorporate the fascinating history of a district or nation, the best pieces of a specific film, or the defects of some big name. Each understudy will require something to peruse and break down and it's ideal to give them the correct data to ensure they feel positive about what they write.Important guidance for paper subjects for undergrads comes through figuring out how to cause your perusers to feel good. Compose easily and with trust so as to ensure that your perusers will confide in you. Sentiments of frailty are a terrible sign and can likewise hurt your credibility.Lastly, remember that your crowd will be searching for data that can cause them to fee l more brilliant. Regardless of what you decide to expound on, ensure you come to your meaningful conclusion and leave the peruser with a decent impression. The crowd needs to comprehend why they should peruse your exposition and you'll know whether you utilize great article subjects for understudies by causing them to feel like they're worth perusing.

Why Should You Read College Essay Samples

For what reason Should You Read College Essay Samples?For those understudies who are moving toward their senior year in secondary school, it is a smart thought to peruse school article tests before composing your school expositions. It is ideal to start by perusing the school article tests gave in different distributions, for example, your secondary school's understudy newspaper.The focal point of these school exposition tests ought to be to assist you with building up a plot that is solid and convincing. Furthermore, they ought to likewise incorporate data that will be imperative to the author's topic, just as accommodating tips and methods for improving the general nature of the paper. By and large, these points ought to be normal and significant in engineering.The understudy's scholarly exhibition and grades ought to be firmly analyzed, particularly on the off chance that they have been dropping in the course of the last scarcely any semesters. The understudy's exploration propens ities ought to likewise be a factor in the paper test, just as what the understudy has been doing when the person has a break between classes. Obviously, the exposition must not digress from the theme territory wherein the essayist plans to focus.Since there are such a large number of various subjects, the understudy ought to be set up to compose on a wide assortment of points. The rundown of article subjects ought to be the length of it takes to arrive at your last draft. This should give the author a lot of composing openings. A portion of the understudy's different subjects ought to be their inclinations, and some will be the theme territories that the understudy's advocate will talk about with the person in question during their conversation.The paper tests will contain the entirety of the data important to begin a discourse between the essayist and the peruser, and the author's proposition proclamation and point will likewise be introduced. Furthermore, the example will incorpo rate the necessary composing group, the suggested content, and some other composing guidance that the creator may need to have. The school paper tests will support the author, notwithstanding disclose how to answer a question.College exposition tests ought not be excused as inadequately composed and ungainly. The models accessible will show that composing can be simple, fun, and even charming. Indeed, this can be perhaps the best piece of having a school experience.In expansion, the school should be arranged around the understudy's scholarly achievement and by and large character. Composing a school paper is an exercise in careful control, and the author needs to ensure that they are doing all that they can to improve their scholarly presentation. Moreover, it is likewise imperative to ensure that the understudy's instructive objectives are not previously met.Writing school expositions can be a test, yet it is additionally one of the most agreeable things an understudy can do. In an y case, it is significant that the's essayist will probably compose something that is intriguing and instructive. One of the advantages of gaining from school article tests is that they permit the understudy to pick up understanding into the way toward composing an amazing school paper.

Finding Good Topics for Your Essay

Discovering Good Topics for Your EssayCommunity issues are among the most regularly posed inquiries from undergrads. When composing an article, it is a smart thought to incorporate a theme that straightforwardly relates to the understudy's locale. This could be nearby issues like medication use, high schooler pregnancy, or adolescent homicide.Instead of examining some particular occasions, for example, a fire or tornado, expound on the general issues individuals face inside their locale. For instance, if a neighborhood local group of fire-fighters utilizes government assets to purchase new gear to manage fires, at that point you can discuss why this program isn't being utilized. On the off chance that a youngster was murdered in a fender bender in light of the fact that the network needed more wellbeing on their lanes, at that point you can examine why the issue is getting worse.Research shows that expounding on issues inside a network makes a more compelling article than expounding on general occasions. A subject that legitimately relates to the understudies' locale, notwithstanding the teacher's point, will improve the evaluation. Keep in mind, when you think about composing an individual exposition, you are making an effort not to persuade your educator or dazzle the remainder of the class.Writing about network issues isn't as troublesome as you may might suspect. On the off chance that you have the information and aptitudes to look into, you will have a decent possibility of thinking of some strong points. The initial step is to begin searching for data. Before you begin composing, get some answers concerning the issues in your locale by conversing with individuals in your general vicinity who know about these issues.Next, record some examination possible subjects and solicit the assistance from a companion or adored one. You need to discover things that are special and not shrouded somewhere else in your locale. Research shows that when you talk about issu es from an assortment of viewpoints, you seem to be an expert.Once you have a rundown of possible themes, you will need to compose your paper. It is essential to keep it connecting with, since you are attempting to convince a peruser. You can discuss what is happening in your locale or what issues are extraordinary to your timeframe. A few instances of exceptional issues could be tending to the earth, nearby economy, wrongdoing, or education.Write your exposition on paper, notebook, or Microsoft Word. An exposition that you set up on your own PC will appear to be unique from an article that was looked into on paper. What's more, you have to have great language structure aptitudes with the goal that you can explain to the peruser why your perspectives are the correct ones.Community issues are among the most as often as possible posed inquiries from undergrads. On the off chance that you need to compose an exposition that intrigues you, consider discussing what's going on in your loca le.

529 Day Webcast Recap

Earlier today we hosted our annual 529 Day live Q we were unable to record the event, so here's a quick recap for those of you who weren't able to attend: Legislative update Ashlea began our discussion by introducing Rep. Jenkins. Jenkins has been an advocate for 529 plans for quite some time. After President Obama's proposal to remove the federal tax benefits of 529s, Jenkins, along with Rep. Ron Kind (D-W) introduced H.R. 529. This bipartisan legislation would make improvements to the college savings plans such as including computers as a qualified expense, eliminating unnecessary aggregation requirements and allowing 529 account owners to redeposit funds tax-free. The next step is for the bill to be brought to the Senate floor for consideration. When asked if there was any future legislation in the works, Lynn hinted at employer 529 matches, expanding saver credits and IRA rollovers. But 529 Guru Joe Hurley wants more. He wanted to know if he would ever be able to donate his leftover 529 funds to a college to fund a scholarship. This idea isn't a new one for Hurley. In fact, In 2012, Hurley stated "I would love to be able to donate this money to my alma mater, or to a scholarship-granting charity, so that it can be used to help send someone else's child or grandchild to college, but in doing so I should not have to pay tax and penalty." Rep. Jenkins assured him that future enhancements on leftover 529 money are being discussed. H.R. 529: withdrawals, reporting and redepositing Getting started with a 529 The first set of questions focused on how to set up a 529 account. All of the panelists agree that it was a good idea to look at your home state's plan first to see if they offer any tax breaks for residents. But even if your state's plan does offer a deduction, be sure you are comfortable with the investment options available as well as the fees they charge. You can, of course, enroll in almost any state's plan no matter where you live. Caroline Tucker suggests that before you open a 529 plan, you should build out a plan for each child you are saving for. That includes comparing the expected cost of college attendance versus how much your family can really afford to save each month. 5 simple steps to enrolling in a 529 plan How do I choose the best plan? While Joe Hurley claims he's never answered this question directly, he did give us some helpful tips. The right plan for you will depend on a number of factors, including things like your objectives, where you live, how old your kids are and where they will go to college. You'll also have to consider the investment manager. If your retirement account and other investments are all with Fidelity, maybe you'd be more comfortable with a 529 plan managed by Fidelity. Joe also reminds us to consider performance, but know that past performance does not predict future results. Marguerita Cheng recommends that her clients contribute enough to their home state's plan to get the maximum state tax benefit, and if they are willing and able to save more they contribute the remainder to another state's plan that may have preferable investment options. "It's all about trade-off" says Cheng. Top 10 direct-sold 529 plans How does a 529 affect financial aid? Caroline Tucker assured the audience that 529 plans are treated quite favorably in the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation, which is used to determine financial aid eligibility. Unlike other student-owned assets such as a custodial account under UGMA/UTMA, which are assessed at 20%, only a maximum of 5.64% of a student- or parent-owned 529 plan are brought into the equation. However, Joe Hurley points out that while a 529 plan owned by a grandparent or other relative is not counted as an asset on the FAFSA, when the funds are withdrawn to pay for college it will count as student income and will be assessed at 50%. This is true regarding any financial support from a relative. Grandparents can still help pay for college, however, by making contributions to a 529 account owned by the parent, or they can always try to transfer ownership to the parent. If those are not realistic options, the grandparent can wait to withdraw from the 529 account until the student's junior year of college, when they will not be applying for any more financial aid. Joe and Caroline also point out that these rules only apply to federal student aid, and that schools that offer their own scholarships may consider 529 plans differently. 15 facts about financial aid eligibility Why is a 529 better than a regular savings account? Marguerita, who is the mother of a college freshman, reminds us that families should have cash and money market accounts for the short term, but they should definitely take advantage of tax-advantaged account such as 529 plans for long-term saving. If her clients are fearful of stock market volatility, she reminds them that there are conservative 529 options available. Joe adds that College Savings Bank even offers FDIC insured options. Caroline says that when funds are specifically earmarked for a child's future education, families are three times more likely to meet their savings goal. There is also a psychological impact of putting the account in the child's name. 10 things we love most about 529 plans So what happens when the money isn't used for college? Joe reminds us that the greatest fear a family has when saving with a 529 plan is that they will have to pay the 10% penalty tax on the earnings portion of the account for a non-qualified withdrawal. But he argues that these fears are almost unwarranted, since instead of taking out the money you can easily change the beneficiary, save the funds for a grandchild or even go back to school yourself. In fact, since Joe isn't able to donate his leftover funds without penalty, he is currently taking classes at Fingerlakes Community College. Caroline also notes that in cases there are cases where the penalty is waived. For example, if the student gets a scholarship you can take a penalty-free non-qualified withdrawal up to the amount of the award, and if the student decides to attend a U.S. Military Academy the penalty is also waived. Keep in mind, though, that you will still pay income tax on the earnings portion of these withdrawals. Scoring an athletic scholarship What are prepaid tuition plans? Joe explains that prepaid tuition plans allow you to pay now for future tuition, usually at a discounted rate. These types of plans are quite different from 529 college savings plans, mainly because you usually are saving for your in-state public school (except for the Private College 529 Plan, which includes over 300 private colleges across the country). If you choose to go to an out-of state school you can still cash out your prepaid plan and are guaranteed a 2% return. Unfortunately, only a few states still have prepaid plans as many states had to shut them down. If your state does offer one, Joe suggests checking it out. Is there a prepaid 529 plan in your future? What are some drawbacks of 529 plans? Caroline says that it can be easy for parents to forget about other expenses that are not considered qualified, such as transportation costs. This is where it might be appropriate to have an additional regular savings account. Joe admits that 529 fees are sometimes slightly higher than other investments such as mutual funds, but these have come down significantly in recent years. Also, grandparents who own 529 accounts for their grandchildren are often surprised to learn that the plan value is counted as part of their assets if they need to apply for Medicaid. Before you open a grandparent 529 account How much should I save for my one- and three-year-old children? Marguerita stresses the fact that the important thing is to get started, no matter how small your initial contribution. She says Savingforcollege.com has "amazing calculators" that can give you an idea about how much to put away each month. Yet she also reminds parents not to get scared off by the recommended contribution amounts. Marguerita has three children, and she tells us that the cost of the first two going to college was more than the price of her first home! So when the calculator tells you you're going to need $800 a month to make college happen, don't let that scare you. Any amount you can save now is better than nothing. The magic number for college savings Earlier today we hosted our annual 529 Day live Q we were unable to record the event, so here's a quick recap for those of you who weren't able to attend: Legislative update Ashlea began our discussion by introducing Rep. Jenkins. Jenkins has been an advocate for 529 plans for quite some time. After President Obama's proposal to remove the federal tax benefits of 529s, Jenkins, along with Rep. Ron Kind (D-W) introduced H.R. 529. This bipartisan legislation would make improvements to the college savings plans such as including computers as a qualified expense, eliminating unnecessary aggregation requirements and allowing 529 account owners to redeposit funds tax-free. The next step is for the bill to be brought to the Senate floor for consideration. When asked if there was any future legislation in the works, Lynn hinted at employer 529 matches, expanding saver credits and IRA rollovers. But 529 Guru Joe Hurley wants more. He wanted to know if he would ever be able to donate his leftover 529 funds to a college to fund a scholarship. This idea isn't a new one for Hurley. In fact, In 2012, Hurley stated "I would love to be able to donate this money to my alma mater, or to a scholarship-granting charity, so that it can be used to help send someone else's child or grandchild to college, but in doing so I should not have to pay tax and penalty." Rep. Jenkins assured him that future enhancements on leftover 529 money are being discussed. H.R. 529: withdrawals, reporting and redepositing Getting started with a 529 The first set of questions focused on how to set up a 529 account. All of the panelists agree that it was a good idea to look at your home state's plan first to see if they offer any tax breaks for residents. But even if your state's plan does offer a deduction, be sure you are comfortable with the investment options available as well as the fees they charge. You can, of course, enroll in almost any state's plan no matter where you live. Caroline Tucker suggests that before you open a 529 plan, you should build out a plan for each child you are saving for. That includes comparing the expected cost of college attendance versus how much your family can really afford to save each month. 5 simple steps to enrolling in a 529 plan How do I choose the best plan? While Joe Hurley claims he's never answered this question directly, he did give us some helpful tips. The right plan for you will depend on a number of factors, including things like your objectives, where you live, how old your kids are and where they will go to college. You'll also have to consider the investment manager. If your retirement account and other investments are all with Fidelity, maybe you'd be more comfortable with a 529 plan managed by Fidelity. Joe also reminds us to consider performance, but know that past performance does not predict future results. Marguerita Cheng recommends that her clients contribute enough to their home state's plan to get the maximum state tax benefit, and if they are willing and able to save more they contribute the remainder to another state's plan that may have preferable investment options. "It's all about trade-off" says Cheng. Top 10 direct-sold 529 plans How does a 529 affect financial aid? Caroline Tucker assured the audience that 529 plans are treated quite favorably in the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation, which is used to determine financial aid eligibility. Unlike other student-owned assets such as a custodial account under UGMA/UTMA, which are assessed at 20%, only a maximum of 5.64% of a student- or parent-owned 529 plan are brought into the equation. However, Joe Hurley points out that while a 529 plan owned by a grandparent or other relative is not counted as an asset on the FAFSA, when the funds are withdrawn to pay for college it will count as student income and will be assessed at 50%. This is true regarding any financial support from a relative. Grandparents can still help pay for college, however, by making contributions to a 529 account owned by the parent, or they can always try to transfer ownership to the parent. If those are not realistic options, the grandparent can wait to withdraw from the 529 account until the student's junior year of college, when they will not be applying for any more financial aid. Joe and Caroline also point out that these rules only apply to federal student aid, and that schools that offer their own scholarships may consider 529 plans differently. 15 facts about financial aid eligibility Why is a 529 better than a regular savings account? Marguerita, who is the mother of a college freshman, reminds us that families should have cash and money market accounts for the short term, but they should definitely take advantage of tax-advantaged account such as 529 plans for long-term saving. If her clients are fearful of stock market volatility, she reminds them that there are conservative 529 options available. Joe adds that College Savings Bank even offers FDIC insured options. Caroline says that when funds are specifically earmarked for a child's future education, families are three times more likely to meet their savings goal. There is also a psychological impact of putting the account in the child's name. 10 things we love most about 529 plans So what happens when the money isn't used for college? Joe reminds us that the greatest fear a family has when saving with a 529 plan is that they will have to pay the 10% penalty tax on the earnings portion of the account for a non-qualified withdrawal. But he argues that these fears are almost unwarranted, since instead of taking out the money you can easily change the beneficiary, save the funds for a grandchild or even go back to school yourself. In fact, since Joe isn't able to donate his leftover funds without penalty, he is currently taking classes at Fingerlakes Community College. Caroline also notes that in cases there are cases where the penalty is waived. For example, if the student gets a scholarship you can take a penalty-free non-qualified withdrawal up to the amount of the award, and if the student decides to attend a U.S. Military Academy the penalty is also waived. Keep in mind, though, that you will still pay income tax on the earnings portion of these withdrawals. Scoring an athletic scholarship What are prepaid tuition plans? Joe explains that prepaid tuition plans allow you to pay now for future tuition, usually at a discounted rate. These types of plans are quite different from 529 college savings plans, mainly because you usually are saving for your in-state public school (except for the Private College 529 Plan, which includes over 300 private colleges across the country). If you choose to go to an out-of state school you can still cash out your prepaid plan and are guaranteed a 2% return. Unfortunately, only a few states still have prepaid plans as many states had to shut them down. If your state does offer one, Joe suggests checking it out. Is there a prepaid 529 plan in your future? What are some drawbacks of 529 plans? Caroline says that it can be easy for parents to forget about other expenses that are not considered qualified, such as transportation costs. This is where it might be appropriate to have an additional regular savings account. Joe admits that 529 fees are sometimes slightly higher than other investments such as mutual funds, but these have come down significantly in recent years. Also, grandparents who own 529 accounts for their grandchildren are often surprised to learn that the plan value is counted as part of their assets if they need to apply for Medicaid. Before you open a grandparent 529 account How much should I save for my one- and three-year-old children? Marguerita stresses the fact that the important thing is to get started, no matter how small your initial contribution. She says Savingforcollege.com has "amazing calculators" that can give you an idea about how much to put away each month. Yet she also reminds parents not to get scared off by the recommended contribution amounts. Marguerita has three children, and she tells us that the cost of the first two going to college was more than the price of her first home! So when the calculator tells you you're going to need $800 a month to make college happen, don't let that scare you. Any amount you can save now is better than nothing. The magic number for college savings