This illuminating episode of “Your Telecom Retirement” delves into the complex world of 529 plans and college expenses. Join me as I break down the intricacies of state-sponsored plans, financial aid, and how to manage your funds for higher education effectively. What You’ll Discover: [03:43] The importance of 529 plans and how they can be used for a broad range of educational pursuits [08:04] What expenses can be covered by a 529 plan, including tuition, room and board, and even computers [12:01] The flexibility of choosing a 529 plan from any state, not just your home state [15:14] The shift in financial aid from grants to loans and its impact on college expenses [17:30] How 529 funds count towards your family contribution on the FAFSA form [23:20] The process of withdrawing funds from a 529 plan and the importance of keeping meticulous records [25:55] The often overlooked aspect of 529 plans: how to withdraw money and the ramifications of doing so Tune in to this informative episode and equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the financial maze of college expenses. EPISODE LINKSYou can download a free digital copy of Dennis’ book “Retirement Built Right – The Essential Guide for Telephone Employees!” here: https://theverizonguy.pages.ontraport.net/ebookoptin ABOUT THE SHOWTap into Dennis O’Keefe’s 30+ years of experience helping telecom employees maximize their company-specific benefits packages for situations including early retirement, buyout offers, career changes and more! Featuring actionable, practical how-to advice along with stories of REAL telecom employees Dennis has helped navigate through every benefits situation imaginable, each episode of “Your Telecom Retirement” focuses on how to maximize the money you take out of your time working for telecom. Dennis’ expertise has been featured by Business Insider, The Boston Globe and Yahoo! Finance. WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME: Connect with Dennis O’Keefe on LinkedIn! Successful Money Strategies, Inc. – Financial Planning Services Get the Latest Tips & Strategies for a Successful Retirement