529 plans are state-sponsored investment plans designed to help families save for college. To find the best 529 plan for you and your family, look at the overall picture, not just at the tax benefits offered. Owing to the compounding nature of the investment return, the sooner you save, the more your money will grow.
Every state has a minimum of one 529 plan, thus offering you a variety of options to choose from. Earnings and withdrawals on these contributions are not taxable.
Utah Educational Savings Plan
This includes Vanguard and Dimensional funds, a fixed income fund from the state treasurer and a FDIC insured account. The reliability and performance of this plan is rated one of the highest.
New York’s 529 College Savings Plan Direct Plan
It’s reliability and performance are the highlights. This plan uses Vanguard mutual funds and allows the investor to link their accounts to the Upromise rewards service, thereby allowing users to earn cash back.
Virginia 529 inVEST
Mutual funds from Vanguard and Parnassus are offered in this plan. The option of using age-based investments that automatically shift towards conservative assets as college nears is a highlight.
USAA 529 College Savings Plan
Nevada’s 529 plan uses USAA mutual funds. Age-based investment, as well as static investment options, are provided. Accounts can be linked to Upromise rewards service, which offers cash back from select merchants.
T.Rowe Price College Savings Plan
Reliability and performance of Alaska’s 529 plan make it one of the top rated 529 plans. It provides special features for University of Alaska students. Age-based investment options, that grow conservative with time, and static investment options are offered.
Florida 529 Savings Plan
It uses money management firms to manage its funds. The static option available offers eight individual investment funds and three pre-designed investment portfolios.
Ohio CollegeAdvantage 529 Savings Plan
Three age-based options, fourteen static investment options using Vanguard funds, are some of the options available. Other notable ones are static ones from PIMCO and GE Asset Management.
College Savings Iowa
This plan ranks high in reliability and has friendly cost features. Age-based investment options and ten individually customized static options are offered.
College Savings Plan of Maryland College Investment Plan. Fourteen different investment options based on risk factors are available. This plan allows you to move between portfolios and also invest in multiple portfolios.
Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Plan
American Century manages this Kansan plan. Several static options, including tobacco-free One Choice portfolios, are available. Three age based investment options, including one with Vanguard index funds, is also available.
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Typical and common features of mortgage lenders
Read moreGood mortgage lenders offer you good interest rates and better customer service. Going with a reliable and renowned mortgage lender ensures you of snagging your dream home for sure.
When compared most of the mortgage lenders have been found to have a few typical and common features. Here is a list of those features that are common to most mortgage lenders:
- Easily accessible: You may find many local, individual mortgage lenders who might not have more than one branch or office in the state; this can prove to be an inconvenience if you move to another place or state. You can expand your search by searching for lenders who are widely spread and are known in the mortgage industry. It is better to stick with a company that is well rooted than some mortgage lender who is new to the business. Going with a bigger firm make you feel more comfortable than a local mortgage lender who will process only a few loans every month. In this case, bigger is any day a better bet.
- They are not the middlemen: Mortgage lenders are of three types – direct lenders, mortgage brokers, and lead generators. It is better to approach a mortgage lender directly than go through a mortgage broker otherwise simply a middle man. In case you want a more tailored service or have specific circumstances that need to be catered to, then using a mortgage broker works well. You need to keep in mind that many mortgage brokers work locally; hence they are not widely available. The mortgage brokers find loan products that would be suitable for you, and then they work with a mortgage lender to get your mortgage approved. So they act as the ‘go-between,’ between you and the mortgage lender.
- Not predatory in nature: Almost all lenders face regulatory actions or have complaints made against them by the state they function in. This doesn’t typically mean that they are predatory as these are hiccups faced by even the good mortgage lenders out in the market. The red flag goes up only if they have multiple infractions.
Keeping all these little pointers in mind, make sure that you find the right mortgage lender.
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Things you should know about all-terrain tires
Read moreTires are your SUV’s best friend. The best SUV tires are those that can be used for all seasons – summer, winter, rain or snow. Using the appropriate tires brings out the best performance from your vehicle. Top among the several factors to be considered are comfort and security. Your driving needs and size of the tire also need to be considered while choosing the most suitable tire model.
The benefit of choosing an all-season tire, especially for an SUV:
- A branded tire is usually the product of technology and innovation and has a special tread compound that makes tackling all weather conditions with ease.
- A tire with a good tread pattern ensures maximum grip (both straight and cornering)
- Reduces hydroplaning on wet roads
- Reduces braking distance
- Less fuel consumption
- Resists chipping and tearing, provides excellent durability where the pavement ends.
- Low rolling noise i.e. better acoustic comfort in the cabin
The SUV tires offered by Goodyear have not only a clean exterior; they have all-season traction for maximum performance on snow and ice and provide a quiet ride. Their range of SUV tires includes Goodyear Wrangler, Goodyear Fortera, and Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max to name a few.
Dunlop crossover tires are rated one of the most sought after tires. They not only provide all-season traction and comfort, but the sporty design also complements the look of your SUV. The Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 tires are made especially for luxury SUV’s. Other noteworthy all terrain SUV tires are Dunlop Grandtrek SJ5 and Dunlop Grandtrek Touring A/S.
Michelin crossover and SUV tires guarantee to enhance the performance of your vehicle. These tires use EverGrip wet-braking technology which makes these tires safe to drive on wet roads and is found to have a shorter braking distance than competing brands. Defender LTX M/S, Premier LTX, and LTX M/S2 are some of their all-season tires with ultimate tread life and increase the fuel economy of your SUV.