College is extremely expensive for most families. When tuition, room, board, books and other miscellaneous expenses are all added in the total cost of a college degree is often in the six figures. Not wanting to saddle their younger family members with student loan debt, many families are struggling to find affordable ways to meets these expenses themselves.

It used to be normal for parents to pay their children’s way through college or for the children themselves to work their own way through. However, the cost of a college education is now so high that it is almost impossible for students to make enough to pay for it with part-time jobs. Many families struggle enough to meet their current needs that they just do not have enough to pay for their children’s education. Increasingly, paying for college education has become something that grandparents want to do. They have already earned their wealth and are in a better position than the parents to pay for college.

 

A recent Reuters article examined how grandparents can pay for their grandchildren’s college education while getting a tax benefit for themselves. The article, titled “YOUR PRACTICE-Selling grandparents on the perks of 529 college savings plans,”suggests a 529 college savings plan. This unique account can be used to contribute more than the yearly gift tax exemption into an account that a grandchild can later use for educational expenses. The accounts are not perfect as they could make a grandchild ineligible for financial aid.

Paying for college is difficult, but grandparents who want to do so have several options. A 529 plan is one of them, but in some cases a more traditional trust is a better option. The key is to talk to an estate planning attorney about your best options, in conjunction with your financial advisor. Different families have different needs. Your attorney and financial advisor team can help grandparents sort through the options to come up with the best solution for their needs.

 

For more information about estate planning, please visit my estate planning website.

Reference: Reuters (July 18, 2014) “YOUR PRACTICE-Selling grandparents on the perks of 529 college savings plans”