Lillian Lincoln Lambert

As the Christmas season approaches, we all begin to think about gifts for those we love. Some people give lots of thought to their selections while others merely go through the motions.

What’s on your list for the youngsters in your life – your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, etc.? All of these children probably have all the toys they want and more than they can ever play with. Still many adults want to give something the child can see and touch. Why not consider something that last years into the future? A 529 college fund can help assure that they have money for college, even it is only enough to buy books. A share or few shares of a stock or a mutual fund will be something that can grow over the years and also teach the child something about investing.

We  established 529 college funds for our grandchildren a few years ago and we add to it during the year, particularly on birthdays and at Christmas. For Christmas we do add a small toy or book to give them something to open. However, the larger part of money spent at Christmas goes to the college fund. They may not fully appreciate it now but hopefully they will in the future.

Give it some serious consideration.   This website will give you information about college 529 plans.

http://www.savingforcollege.com/intro_to_529s/what-is-a-529-plan.php

At dinner with another couple a few nights ago, the conversation turned to education. We all agreed that the education system in the United States needs some work. We talked about education today and made some comparisons to the education of our generation.

Three of the four persons at dinner finished high school in the late fifties or early sixties. We all agreed that we had fewer choices than youngsters today and the use of technology is more prevalent. As we compared our education (the other couple is racially mixed – the husband white and the wife a black from one of the Islands and my husband and I African American) we admitted that the quality of education for each of us was different.

Courses that three of us had or were available to us that are not generally taught in school today are the trades. When is the last time you tried to hire a plumber, mechanic or electrician? When you found one what did it cost?  Students today are not encouraged to study the trades; instead everyone is expected to go to college. In some cases other options should be explored.

I am a great proponent of education and a college degree is necessary for most jobs. But what are the options for those students who are not ready for college or those who are really interested in a trade? Should they be made to feel less important? I say no. They may be able to make a better living in a trade that interests them as opposed to a field of study in college in which they have no interest.  We the consumer can benefit as well. With an increase in technicians in the various trades, the cost for those services would be more competitive

As we enter into this new school year, there is excitement for students, parents, teachers and school administrators. Many high school seniors face this year with enthusiasm and great anticipation.  At the end of the year they can exert their independence when they leave the comfort of their homes where parents have more control over their lives. Many parents are hopefully that their child will be headed to college and they will be pushing to get the college application completed before the deadline. How many parents ask “Is my child ready for college?

            For some students a year or two break between high school and college can be beneficial.  I speak from experience – a four-year break. My break, however, was not a planned break whereby I was preparing to go later. When I finished high school I did not think I needed a college education. Since my parents had no money to pay for college, I felt free to conquer the world on my own terms. I got my first “degree” from the “school of hard knocks” before realizing I needed a college education.  Finally, I entered a four-year college followed by two years for my graduate degree. For those six years I was very focused; something that was probably unlikely for me immediately after high school.

            If your child is ready for college, that’s great. If not, a planned gap can be very beneficial and does not mean the student is doomed for failure. It can relieve the stress of the application process when the student does apply. The student can take some courses at a community college; do some traveling and take time to explore career options. A great deal of maturity can occur with a carefully laid out plan. I urge parents and students to make the decision that best fits the youngster.