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What’s Happening in the World of Higher Education?

2023 survey revealed a notable shift in public opinion over the past decade about the value of a college degree: 56% of Americans think a four-year college degree isn’t worth the cost due to students graduating with significant debt and a lack of specific job skills vs. 42% who believe college is worth it. The … Read more

Federal Student Loan Repayment Postponed for Sixth Time

Federal Student Loan Repayment Postponed for Sixth Time On April 6, the U.S. Department of Education announced a record sixth extension for federal student loan repayment, interest, and collections, through August 31, 2022.1 The fifth payment pause was set to end on April 30, 2022. The six extensions have postponed federal student loan payments for almost … Read more

Federal Student Loan Interest Rates Decrease for 2019-2020

For the first time in three years, interest rates on federal student loans will decrease for the 2019-2020 academic year. The lower rates apply to new federal student loans made on or after July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. The interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan.

 

College fund written on a jar and money

Subsidized vs. unsubsidized
What’s the difference? With
subsidized loans, the federal
government pays the interest
that accrues while the student
is in school, during the
six-month grace period after
graduation, and during any
loan deferment periods. With
unsubsidized loans, the
borrower is responsible for
paying the interest during these
periods. Only undergraduate
students are eligible for
subsidized loans, and eligibility
is based on demonstrated
financial need.

2019-2020 Student Loan Rate Chart

 

Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2019


IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Ballast Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.More information about the firm, including its services, strategies, and fees can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available without charge upon request.

Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, legal, or retirement advice or recommendations. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances.

To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.

These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

How Much Do I Need to Save for College?

The U.S. Department of Education has named February Financial Aid Awareness Month. For many families, saving for college is a primary financial goal. 

This calculator projects the future cost of college and illustrates how your savings, if any, match up for each year of college. If there is a funding shortfall, the calculator shows that amount each year, and calculates both the monthly savings amount and the lump-sum amount needed to eliminate the shortfall. 

 This tool can help you take a step toward understanding your goals as you consider the best investment plan for your child’s future. Including financial aid, there are many options in saving for college. College savings plans, like 529 plans are popular. 

If you’re interested in receiving additional financial advice on saving for college or an analysis of your financial goals, contact Ballast Advisors for a complimentary consultation at a location near you:

Ballast Advisors – Woodbury Area
683 Bielenberg Dr., Suite 208
Woodbury, MN  55125-1705
Tel: 651.478.4644
Ballast Advisors – Arden Hills Area
3820 Cleveland Ave. N, Ste. 500
Arden Hills, MN  55112-3298
Tel: 651.200.3100
Ballast Advisors – Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte County Area
6210 Scott St., Suite 117
Punta Gorda, FL  33950-3901
Tel: 941.621.4015