This program is in partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Board but as always, opinions are 100% our own.
During this time of the year many family members will ask each other about gift ideas for their kids. I was actually excited when my dad asked me if he could contribute toward our girls’ college savings plans as part of their holiday gift. Siiii! Helping families with kids save for their college is a gift of education that will keep on giving years later. And better yet, this gift doesn’t even need batteries!
For Florida families it’s an exciting time in planning for their education savings as enrollment for all five Prepaid plans are open. Better yet, there are a variety of options regarding how families can combine their savings program to create a package that fits each budget.
The Question and Answer section on the Florida Prepaid site answers many concerns that any family would have as you consider the gift of education for your youngest members. You can download the GIFT DONATION FORM and see how easy it is for anyone to contribute. I already shared it with my dad! From grandparents, to aunts, uncles or special family friends, the gift of education is a wonderful option.
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, mentors and special friends are just some of the people who can help contribute to your child’s education. Give them the option!
One key item that helped ease my concerns is that Florida-based savings CAN BE transferred to other state and private schools. So while the savings are initially considered for Florida schools, no family loses their savings by going outside of the state as the programs is transferable. Read about your options HERE.
According to Board Chairman Duane Ottenstroer, ‘open enrollment is the only time each year when families can purchase one of the Florida Prepaid College Board’s five prepaid tuition and dormitory plans.’ He added ‘if your child attends an out-of-state college or private university, the plan will pay the same amount as it would pay at a public Florida college or University. And, another important factor is that if your child or family member receives any scholarships, the plan can be used for the balance that remains for tuition or towards other costs including books or the funds can be transferred to a sibling, etc. This really helps ease many concerns for families, especially those trying to save and support multiple children.
As I mentioned above, anyone can give a child the gift of education or contribute to an existing plan. And the Florida Prepaid Board is rewarding those that do with their own special gift. Now through February 29, 2016 family members should use the REGISTRATION CODE BLOG1516 as they purchase any plan to receive a special gift.
When you consider that the newest offering is a 1-year Florida University plan starting from $46 per month, this may be less than taking that child out for a nice dinner or outing! And when they’re older, kids will certainly remember anyone who helped them improve their life through education.
You can read through all of the plans, details and registration process right on the easy-to-use Florida PrePaid Board website links above. Warmest wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season to all and cheers to all those Educational dreams and goals.
As a mother of twin tweens in 2011 and an active Girl Scout Troop leader, Cristy realized there was a need to develop bilingual digital content and foster a community facing the challenges of raising kids after first grade. That year she founded and remains co-Publisher of Los Tweens & Teens, to support multicultural parents and mentors with content related to raising Gen Z- tweens & teens ages 7-18. Through the Los Tweens & Teens LIVE events such as Teens & Me – the growing team aims to provide our community with essential resources from chats with therapists to battle anxiety and bullying, to understanding social media and technology.