Education & Family Articles
529 plans, college costs, student loans, tax credits and childcare. Read 10 guides, then run your own numbers with the matching calculators.
529 Plans Explained
How 529 plans work, qualified expenses, state tax deductions, impact on financial aid and the Roth IRA rollover option.
Education & FamilyHow to Pay for College
Combine savings, scholarships, grants, work and loans to pay for college with minimal debt, in the right order.
Education & FamilyFederal vs Private Student Loans
Compare federal and private student loans, including fixed rates, income-driven plans, forgiveness options and…
Education & FamilyStudent Loan Repayment Plans Compared
Understand standard, graduated, extended and income-driven repayment options and how to choose the one that fits…
Education & FamilyFAFSA Guide
A step-by-step guide to the FAFSA, including deadlines, documents, what the Student Aid Index means and common mistakes.
Education & FamilyEducation Tax Benefits
Compare the American Opportunity Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, student loan interest deduction and tax-free 529…
Education & FamilyIs College Worth It? Looking at the Return on a Degree
Examine the financial return on college by major, cost and completion, and use ROI and payback period to decide.
Education & FamilyThe Cost of Raising a Child
A breakdown of the biggest child-rearing expenses from childcare to housing and health, and ways to plan.
Education & FamilyChild Tax Credit and Dependent Care Credit
Learn how the Child Tax Credit, dependent care FSA and Child and Dependent Care Credit reduce taxes for families.
Education & FamilyTeaching Kids About Money
Practical ways to teach children about saving, spending and investing, from preschool through the teen years.
Education & Family calculators
All calculators →529 College Savings
Will your 529 cover college costs
Education & FamilyCollege Cost
Four-year cost with tuition inflation
Education & FamilyStudent Loan Payment
Compare 10, 20 and 25-year repayment
Education & FamilyStudent Loan Payoff
Pay off student loans faster with extra payments
Education & FamilyCollege ROI
Payback of a degree versus not going
Education & FamilyCost of Raising a Child
Total costs from birth to age 17
Education & FamilyEducation Tax Credit Calculator (AOTC & LLC)
American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits
Education & FamilyStudent Loan Interest Deduction
Up to $2,500 tax deduction