What is a College Education Trust?

A college trust is an effective tool for families planning for their child's future education costs. It allows parents, guardians, and other family members to set aside money in a tax-advantaged account to pay tuition, fees, and other qualified educational expenses. By starting a college trust early, families can make sure they are financially prepared for the cost of higher education when the time comes.

The money saved in a college trust can be used at any accredited postsecondary institution, including universities, trade schools, community colleges, and even vocational training programs. The funds may also be used on computers or other materials required by the school for enrollment, such as textbooks or lab supplies. Also, any money left over after graduation can be given to another child or family member without paying taxes or fees.

The Average Cost of a College Education

The average price of a college education keeps going up, making it harder and harder for many students to pay. According to The College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2019-2020 school year was $40,560 at private colleges, $10,440 for state residents at public colleges, and $26,820 for out-of-state residents attending public universities. With these ever-increasing costs in mind, parents and students must start planning early by setting aside money in a college trust fund.

A college trust fund is a particular account set up to pay for educational costs like tuition and other fees. Investing in a trust fund can help reduce the debt needed when it comes time to pay those hefty tuition checks.

The Average Cost of Raising a Child

Raising a child is one of the most significant investments you will ever make. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2015, it cost an average of $233,610 to raise a child from birth to age 17 for middle-income couples with two children. This amount does not include college expenses or other extraordinary costs, such as private school tuition or sports activities. While raising children can be expensive, there are ways that parents can prepare for their child's future costs and save money over time. One option is setting up a college trust fund, which allows parents to start saving early while taking advantage of compound interest rates on their contributions. College trusts are an effective way for parents to begin saving money with tax advantages and ensure their children have access to funds when they need them most – during college years!

Benefits of a Trust

Trust is an important and beneficial tool for college savings. A trust can help safeguard a college fund, protect the owner from tax liability, and provide financial stability. In addition, trust can help ensure your child gets the education they want if you plan and manage it well.

Trusts are created when assets are transferred into the third party's name with instructions on how to manage those assets. The grantor is the person who gives the assets to the trust. The people in charge of the trust are called trustees. By setting up a college trust, you can gain greater control over how your money is invested and distributed. This gives you more options for paying for your child's education or putting money away for future generations of your family.

What is a Quitclaim Deed & When to use it?

A quitclaim deed is a legal document that transfers real estate ownership from one person to another. It is usually used when the seller needs to learn more about or care more about the property and wants to sell it quickly without making any promises or warranties about the title or condition of the property. In addition, Quitclaim deeds can be helpful when setting aside funds for college expenses.

When creating a college trust, individuals may use a quitclaim deed to transfer real estate into the trust account. This allows them to quickly move their asset into an account that will be used specifically for paying school-related costs such as tuition, room and board, books, and supplies. As the grantor does not need to provide any warranties about the title or condition of their real estate when using a quitclaim deed, this transfer can save time and money compared with other methods.

Education Trust: Now is the time

Now is the time to consider setting up an education trust for your loved ones. An education trust is a great way to save money for college tuition and other associated costs. Education trusts are created to invest in your loved one's future, providing them with access to higher education when they may not have had it otherwise. The tax advantages of creating an education trust make it even more attractive.

Education trusts can be tailored to specific goals and include provisions as simple as providing funds for books or tutoring services. They can also cover various expenses from tuition fees, room and board, transportation, and even clothing or technology needs that come along with college life. Furthermore, many states offer incentives for parents who set up an education trust for their children, such as tax credits or deductions on contributions made towards the trust fund.

Next Steps: Look at your options

If you're a parent looking to secure your child's future, setting up a college trust is one of the best strategies. College trusts are accounts set aside specifically for educational purposes. They can be used to pay tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation costs, or other related expenses. With the rising cost of college tuition, setting up such an account can help relieve some financial stress off parents during the years their children attend postsecondary education.

When selecting a college trust for your child's future needs, it's essential to consider all available options.

Source:

College savings trusts

https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/leaving-money-for-college-education-trusts

The text above is for general informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.

Mark Fishbein, Tucson Estate Planner with ALTA Tucson, specializes in Estate Planning, living trusts, and family legacy planning. Visit our website to seek professional help, and Follow us on Facebook.