College, should you even go and how do you pay for it?

Mike, Patrick, and Andrew sit down to discuss the current state of higher education, how to plan for it, and what it is going to cost. The guys share their own experiences on college and what tools are available to students looking to save time and money.

1. https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm

2. https://trends.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/education-pays-2016-full-report.pdf

3. https://modernstates.org/

4. Here is the Wisconsin 529 Plan: https://529plans.investments.voya.com/Wisconsin/index.htm#.W6AYEOS0VHM

Check out our 3 part college planning series on our blog

Any opinions are those of the Mike Macco, Patrick Stoa, and Andrew Froelich not necessarily those of Raymond James or RJFS. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Information was received from sources believed to be reliable but accuracy is not guaranteed. Information presented is general in nature and is not a complete statement of all information necessary for making an investment, and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or to sell any security. Investing always involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss. No investment strategy can guarantee success. Rules and laws governing 529 plans are varied and subject to change. As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 plan. There is also a risk that these plans may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. Most states offer their own 529 programs, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents. Investors should consider, before investing, whether the investor’s or the designated beneficiary’s home state offers any tax or other benefits that are only available for investment in such state’s 529 college savings plan. Such benefits include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. The tax implications can vary significantly from state to state. Changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. Raymond James financial advisors do not render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Death of the contributor prior to the end of the five-year period may result in a portion of the contribution to be included in the contributor’s estate. Tax-free withdrawals may be made for qualified education expenses. Otherwise, the deferred earnings portion may be subject to taxes and a 10% penalty.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with 529 college savings plans before investing. More information about 529 college savings plans is available in the issuer’s official statement. The official statement is available through your financial advisor, and should be read carefully before investing. Before investing, it is important to consider whether the investor's or designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.