SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients: The SYM Financial Advisors logo.
SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients: The SYM Financial Advisors logo.

education planning

Three children wearing graduation caps stand together, representing the future goal of using 529 plans for qualified education expenses, a strategy supported by SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients.

Roth IRA for Kids: Rules, Limits and Benefits

October 27, 2026

A Roth IRA for kids is a custodial retirement account for a minor with taxable compensation. In 2026, contributions are limited to the child’s compensation or $7,500, whichever is less. Contributions can generally be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free, while qualified earnings may be tax-free after applicable age and five-year requirements are met.  Can a child contribute to a Roth IRA?  Yes. A child of any age may contribute if they have taxable compensation for the

Read More »
Five children sit on a bench, each holding an open book about 529 plan rules in front of their face, reflecting the educational focus of SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients.

529 Plans: Rules, Limits and Qualified Uses

October 27, 2026

529 plans in 2026 offer tax-deferred growth and federal tax-free withdrawals for qualified education costs. The K–12 annual withdrawal limit is now $20,000 per student, eligible expenses are broader, and unused funds may qualify for limited Roth IRA rollovers. State tax treatment, plan limits and fees still vary. What is a 529 plan, and how does it work? A 529 plan is a state-sponsored education account. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, investments grow tax-deferred,

Read More »
SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients: a stack of books topped with a piggy bank next to wooden blocks that spell out FAFSA, a concept regarding financial planning for SYM Financial Advisors.

10 Main Changes to FAFSA

January 26, 2024

Dreading the FAFSA this year? Things just got better. You may have heard that the federal Student Aid office revamped its FAFSA form.  This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and it has historically been a doozy to complete.  It has been intimidating, so much so that many have chosen not to complete it, potentially missing out on significant financial aid. Changes were made to the 2024-25 FAFSA form in an effort to

Read More »
Hands cupped holding a pile of copper coins and a note labeled “College Fund” for SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients.

Financial Planning for College

August 10, 2023

Are you planning to help your children with getting a degree someday? Financial planning for college has become a big priority for many American households. However, with education expenses on the rise, the total price tag may be much larger than you think. The average cost of attending a public college is $27,940 for in-state students, $45,240 for out-of-state students, and $57,570 for a private school per year.[1] For students seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree,

Read More »
SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients: A SYM Financial Advisors professional sits on a blue mat, assisting a young child in a gymnastics pose as a commission-free fiduciary guide.

Balancing Special Needs Planning with Your Retirement

June 6, 2022

Parents with a special needs child have many of the same wishes as all other parents. They want to make memories, do the best for their family, and prepare their child for the future. They also hope to retire one day with a measure of financial peace of mind. When there’s a will, there’s a way — and that is true of financial planning for families with special needs. It is true that unique circumstances

Read More »
SYM Financial Advisors, an independent, commission-free fiduciary with 55+ years of serving clients: Two children wearing glasses sit at a table; one uses a calculator to learn about finances from SYM Financial Advisors while the other handles a piggy bank.

Balancing Financial Planning for College with Other Goals

May 3, 2022

Are you planning to help your children with getting a degree someday? Financial planning for college has become a big priority for many American households. However, with education expenses on the rise, the total price tag may be much larger than you think. The average cost of attending a public college is $27,330 for in-state students, $44,150 for out-of-state students, and $55,800 for a private school per year.[1] Add to that other major expenses like

Read More »

Podcasts

CIO Corner

Topics

Book a Meeting

No cost. No obligation.
An exploratory discussion with an advisor.
Click Here