Investment Alternatives For Funding College

1. U.S. Savings Bonds (conservative) – Interest on EE bonds is tied to yield on 5-year treasury bonds and is adjusted every six months; bonds available for $24 and up; no fees or commissions on purchase or redemption; income is exempt from all state and local taxes. Federal income tax can be deferred until bonds are redeemed.
2. Certificates of deposit (conservative) – Guaranteed rate of return; penalty for early withdrawal, income earned from CDs purchased in your name is taxed as ordinary income. FDIC insured up to $250,000 per account per institution.CDs offer the guaranteed rate of return if held to maturity.
3. Corporate and municipal bonds (conservative / moderate) – Fixed-income investments paying a predetermined interest periodically; return of principal at maturity; impacted by market conditions. Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rate rise and are subject to availability and change in price.
4. Zero coupon bonds (conservative / moderate / aggressive) – Purchased at a discount from face value; no periodic interest payment; yield is compounded for payout at maturity; bondholder taxed annually as if interest were received.
5. Stripped municipal securities (moderate / aggressive) – Municipal bonds sold in two parts: interest portion for investors seeking current income and principal portion for those seeking lump-sum and potential for capital gains at maturity; gains are usually tax-exempt. Interest income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Federally tax-free but other state and local taxes may apply.
6. Common stock (moderate / aggressive) – Potential for capital appreciation and dividend yield; sales commission charged for purchase. Stock investing involves risk including loss of principal.

The longer you have until funds will be needed, the more aggressive you may invest. As college draws closer, your portfolio should reflect less risk and volatility.

Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary therefore, the information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.