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Financial Advising for College Saving Planning

Unlock your child's bright future with Lewis CPA! With 30+ years of experience, Lewis CPA helps you navigate college savings wisely in Chicago and nationwide. Let's secure a successful tomorrow, today!

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We service 1,000+ businesses and 3,000+ individual clients, many of them located nationwide.
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38 Years of Experience
Since 1986, we’ve provided comprehensive tax and accounting solutions for individuals and businesses.
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Why College Savings Planning Matters

The escalating costs of college education demand proactive financial preparation to ensure your child's academic ambitions are met without financial strain. Prioritizing college savings planning is essential for:

Why College Savings Planning Matters
  • Alleviating Financial Strain

    Families and students grappling with financial burdens find relief through prudent savings strategies.

  • Empowering Future Scholars

    Early planning empowers aspiring scholars to ensure access to quality education without compromising finances.

  • Minimizing Student Debt

    Strategic savings planning minimizes the reliance on student loans, setting the stage for a debt-free educational journey.

  • Flexible Options

    Tailored savings plans provide flexibility, accommodating various educational paths and unforeseen challenges.

  • Investing in Tomorrow

    Investing in college savings today cultivates a brighter future and enables students to focus on learning rather than financial stress.

Our Approach to Education Savings Planning

At Lewis CPA, with over 25 years of experience serving families in Chicago, Illinois, and nationwide, we bring comprehensive expertise to the realm of financial advising for college savings planning and tax incentives. Our approach is built upon a solid foundation of financial planning and strategic tax strategies to ensure that every family's aspirations are met with careful consideration and precision.

We understand that each family has its own set of financial goals, circumstances, and dreams for their loved one's education. This is why we prioritize a tailored approach that takes into account the unique situation of every client. By thoroughly assessing your financial standing and understanding your educational aspirations, we create a personalized education savings strategy that aligns with your vision.

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Our College Savings Planning Services

Our experienced CPAs offer personalized strategies and thorough guidance to help you navigate the complexities of saving for higher education. Here’s an in-depth overview of our main services:

Personalized Savings Strategies

Craft tailored savings plans aligned with your financial goals. Analyze your current situation and projected costs to create a plan that ensures your family's educational aspirations are met.

529 Plan Guidance

Explore the advantages of 529 plans for tax-efficient savings. Our expertise helps you select the right plan and manage contributions to ensure a solid foundation for your loved ones' education.

Tax-Efficient Investing

Maximize returns while minimizing tax impact. At Lewis CPA, our approach to investing includes strategies that optimize gains and reduce capital gains taxes, preserving more of your savings for future educational needs.

Financial Aid Optimization

We can help you navigate the complex world of financial aid with confidence. Benefit from our guidance on FAFSA and CSS Profile, ensuring you secure the maximum aid eligibility for your family's educational journey.

Risk Management and Asset Protection

Shield your savings from market uncertainties. Our strategies protect your investments from volatility to ensure your hard-earned assets remain dedicated to funding your children's education.

Regular Review and Adjustments

Stay on track with ongoing monitoring and adjustments. We consider changing circumstances to fine-tune your savings plan, guaranteeing optimal results and adaptability over time.

Secure Your Future Today: Plan for Education Tomorrow

Empower your loved ones with a bright future. Take the first step towards an education savings plan today and make a lasting impact.

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Common Educational Savings Options

College expenses add up. There are several common education savings plan account options available to help families save and plan for their children's education expenses:

529 Savings Plans

  • State-sponsored plans that offer tax-advantaged savings for qualified higher education expenses, including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other college expenses.
  • Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals are also tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
  • Can be used for both college and K-12 education costs.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)

  • Tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals to contribute up to $2,000 annually per beneficiary.
  • Similar to 529 college savings plans, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.

Custodial Accounts (UGMA/UTMA)

  • Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) and Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts allow minors to receive and manage gifts or assets.
  • Funds can be used for any purpose, including education, but become the child's property once they reach the age of majority.

Education IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts, now called Coverdell ESAs)

  • Previously known as Education IRAs, these accounts are now known as Coverdell ESAs.
  • Allow individuals to contribute up to $2,000 per year for each beneficiary.
  • Similar to ESAs, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.

Roth IRAs for Education

  • While primarily designed for retirement, Roth IRAs allow penalty-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses.
  • Contributions to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn at any time without penalty, but earnings are subject to certain rules for education-related expenses.

Prepaid Tuition Plans

  • State-sponsored plans that allow families to prepay for future college tuition at today's rates.
  • Some plans have residency requirements or limitations on where the funds can be used.

ABLE Accounts

  • - These accounts are designed for those with disabilities and their families to save for disability-related expenses, including education.
  • - Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses.

Taxable Investment Portfolios

  • - Families can also save for education using taxable investment accounts, such as brokerage accounts.
  • - Earnings are subject to capital gains taxes, but there's more flexibility in how the funds can be used.

Employer-Sponsored Education Benefits

  • - Some employers offer educational assistance programs that provide employees with funds or reimbursement for education-related expenses.

Our College Saving Planning Process


Saving Planning Process
  • Initial Consultation

    Discuss your goals, financial situation, and aspirations to customize a plan that aligns with your family's vision.

  • Comprehensive Analysis

    Assess current savings, projected costs, and potential investment options to create a tailored strategy.

  • Personalized Strategy

    Develop a detailed savings plan, considering tax advantages, investment vehicles, and risk tolerance.

  • Investment Allocation

    Allocate funds into diversified portfolios that balance growth potential and risk management.

  • Regular Monitoring

    Continuously review your plan, making adjustments based on market conditions and life changes.

  • Educational Funding Guidance

    Advice on FAFSA, scholarships, and aid applications to maximize financial assistance opportunities.

  • Tax Optimization

    Implement tax-efficient strategies to make the most of available deductions and credits.

  • Progress Review

    Periodically assess your progress and adjust strategies to stay on track with your college savings goals.

  • Flexible Adaptation

    Adapt your plan as circumstances evolve to ensure it remains aligned with your family's educational dreams.

Why Choose Lewis CPA as Your College Savings Advisor?

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Experience and Expertise

With over 25 years of experience, our team of financial advisors brings unmatched knowledge to guide your college savings journey.
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Tailored Strategies

We understand your needs and create customized plans and investment objectives that align with your family's goals and financial situation.
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Maximized Benefits

From tax advantages to scholarship funds to aid optimization, our team at Lewis CPA helps you make the most of available resources for your loved ones' education.
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Adaptive Solutions

Life evolves, and so does our strategy. We adjust plans to accommodate changing circumstances and keep you on track.

Client Reviews

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The office is professional, the staff is responsive, and most importantly the work is exceptional. The depth of Sue's knowledge, and the support of her team are truly unmatched
Marieantoinette Zamora
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We have been using Susan for over 20 years, she has provided excellent service and helped us through many of our life changing moments: new homes, college expenses, employment changes and more. We would recommend her for all your financial needs
Michael Parent
5.0
Susan and her team are the absolute best! Their work is exceptional and the service is unmatched! I would highly recommend them
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FAQs

  • What is a 529 plan, and how does it work for education savings?

    A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help families save for future education expenses. A 529 college savings offers two main types: a prepaid tuition plan and a college savings plan. Prepaid plans allow you to purchase future college tuition at today's prices, while college savings plans provide investment options to grow savings over time. These plans are typically sponsored by states and educational institutions, and the funds can be used for qualified education expenses, including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and more.

  • What are the tax benefits of contributing to a 529 plan?

    There are many tax benefits! Contributions to a 529 plan aren't federally tax-deductible, but they may be deductible at the state level in some cases. The major tax benefit comes from the tax-free growth of the funds within the account. As long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses, including tuition and other costs, the earnings are exempt from federal income taxes.

  • What happens to the money in a 529 plan if my child doesn't go to college?

    If the designated beneficiary decides not to attend college or if there are excess funds, you have several options. You can change the beneficiary to another family member, use the funds for graduate school, or keep the account for future educational needs. If you withdraw funds for non-qualified expenses, you'll face income tax and a 10% penalty on the earnings portion.

  • What if my child receives a scholarship or financial aid? How does that affect the 529 plan?

    If your child receives a scholarship or financial aid, you can withdraw an equivalent amount from the 529 plan without incurring the 10% penalty on earnings. However, you'll still owe income tax on the earnings portion of the withdrawal.

  • How does a 529 plan impact federal financial aid eligibility?

    Assets held in a parent-owned 529 plan are considered parental assets on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Parental assets are assessed at a lower rate than student assets, which can have a positive impact on financial aid eligibility. However, distributions from the 529 plan may be counted as untaxed income on the following year's FAFSA and potentially affect aid eligibility. Make sure you understand the specific rules and consult with a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

  • How much should I save for my children's education?

    Planning for college costs can vary widely, but a general guideline is to save around 50% of the total expenses. Starting early allows you to take full advantage of compound interest and growth. The remaining 50% can be covered through financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and other resources.

  • Is it too late to start saving for college?

    It's never too late to begin saving for college. There are several options available even if you're starting late, such as prepaid tuition plans, 529 education savings plans, Upromise accounts, and scholarships. Encouraging advanced placement (AP) courses in high school can earn college credits, potentially reducing tuition costs. Additionally, consider nearby community colleges that offer lower tuition rates for the first two years, and savings on room and board.

  • What expenses can be covered with funds from a 529 account?

    Funds in a 529 account are versatile and can be used for a variety of educational expenses as determined by the account holder, including:
    - Tuition fees and student loans
    - Textbooks and necessary classroom supplies
    - Computers, printers, and other essential electronics
    - University housing and meal plans

Invest in Education Today!

Ready to Invest in Education? Start your college savings journey with an education savings financial planner. Secure Their Future with Confidence – Contact Us!

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