The Hidden Pitfalls of 529 College Savings Plans
The year-end push to contribute to a 529 state college savings plan is in full force. These plans make a lot of sense. But they also have drawbacks. Here’s how to make the most of them.
Kadlec's latest is A New Purpose: Redefining Money, Family, Work,Retirement, and Success
Dan Kadlec
Dan Kadlec is a journalist and author who has written extensively about baby boomers, personal finance, the economy and financial education for TIME, Money, CBS and USA Today among others. He has appeared on Oprah, CNBC, CNN, and all the major networks. His most recent book is A New Purpose: Going From Success to Significance in Work and Life. Follow him on Twitter @dankadlec. He has a degree in Communications from Marquette University and lives with his wife and nearly adult children in Westchester County, NY. Read more about Dan at dankadlec.com
Articles from Contributor
Lead by Example? Hardly — Boomer Kids Out-Saving Their Parents
Boomers have never been great at putting money in the bank. Maybe they should listen to their kids.
Financial Scams Target Boomers
Baby boomers are still looking out for their parents, even as they have fallen into the crosshairs of financial con artists themselves. It’s a bona fide boomer nightmare: they are becoming their mom or dad—at least as it …
5 Signs That You’re Borrowing Too Much
Consumer debt figures show it: we’re getting tired of being so darned frugal. Here are five guidelines to keep you from borrowing too much.
Why Investors Leave $200 Million A Year Sitting on the Table (And How to Get Your Share)
Investors collectively spend more than $200 million a year in excess fees on S&P 500 index funds alone, a study finds. They get nothing for that money, which could be compounding in their accounts instead.
10 Money Moves to Make Before 2012
It’s that time of year again. Gifts to buy. Tips to hand out. Charities to support. While you’ve got your hand on your wallet, consider these 10 year-end money-saving moves designed to create a little something extra just for you.
3 New Year’s Resolutions that Reflect Reality
What a difference a year makes. The economy is struggling longer than many had expected, and now Americans are retooling their New Year’s resolutions to fit the times.
How the Lost Decade is a Boon for Your Portfolio
The lost decade has a silver lining: investors who accumulate shares during long market dry spells end up with twice as much money, new research shows.
Student Loans: A Call for Creative Solutions
Universities raise tuition faster than the vast majority can afford. That leads to more government grants and government and private loans, which flow to universities. They then construct lovely new buildings, largely on the …
Retirement Planning Mistakes: Fear or Ignorance?
A new survey drives home some critical points about the recession’s impact on retirement planning. We fear the stock market even in the long run and probably should be taught more about money in school.
How to Earn 5% No Matter What the Economy Looks Like
A new study suggests that investing your retirement money half in bonds and half in stocks will produce 5% annual returns like clockwork, despite bumps in the economy. But is this a smart strategy for everyone? No.
How to Fix Your 401(k) Plan
As the traditional pension disappears, the 401(k) plan is evolving into something that one day might actually be just as good. That’s saying a lot. The certainty of monthly income for life, which traditional pensions promise, is a high bar. Meanwhile, 401(k) plans have taken their licks.
