As summer approaches, families with college-bound students should take a moment to evaluate their education savings strategies. With fall tuition deadlines just months away, reviewing 529 plans, financial aid options, and student loan opportunities now can help ensure a smooth transition into the next academic year. Whether you are funding a child’s first semester or reassessing your approach for future years, proactive planning can help minimize debt and maximize available resources.

The Role of 529 College Savings Plans

529 plans remain one of the most effective tools for college savings. These tax-advantaged accounts allow families to grow their investments tax-free and withdraw funds tax-free for qualified education expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, and student loan payments in some cases. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to review your 529 contributions and consider adjusting them based on your financial situation and upcoming tuition needs.

It’s never too late to open a 529 plan. While these plans have the most success with long-term growth, even a few years of contributions can make a meaningful impact on reducing the financial burden of college. Parents and grandparents can also contribute, making 529 plans a great multi-generational planning tool.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Strategies

Many families rely on a combination of savings and financial aid to cover college costs. If you haven’t already completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming school year, time is running out. FAFSA deadlines vary by state, but early submission provides access to the most financial aid opportunities, including federal grants, work-study programs, and subsidized student loans.

Scholarships can also play a significant role in reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Students should continue to apply for merit- and need-based scholarships throughout the year. Many local businesses, community organizations, and private institutions offer funding opportunities that go unclaimed due to a lack of applicants. Setting aside time to research and apply for scholarships now can lead to significant savings over the course of a college career.

Student Loan Considerations

For families who anticipate taking out loans, understanding your options is essential. Federal student loans often offer more appealing terms than private loans, including lower interest rates and income-driven repayment options. Before borrowing, consider any remaining expenses after savings and aid have been applied.

For families with existing student loans, this is also a good time to review repayment strategies. If you or your student will be making payments soon, understanding available repayment plans and potential loan forgiveness options can help reduce long-term financial stress.

Balancing College Savings with Other Financial Goals

While saving for college is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of other financial priorities like retirement savings or emergency funds. A well-balanced financial plan ensures that families can support their children’s education while preserving their own long-term security. If you’re uncertain about how to allocate savings between college expenses and other financial goals, work with us to create a plan that aligns with your priorities.

Let’s Keep Your College Savings Plan on Track—Together

We’re committed to helping you stay on course with your financial goals, including planning for college expenses. We can review your 529 plan contributions, assess financial aid strategies, and help ensure your overall financial plan remains balanced. Give us a call if you have any questions.

Golf Tip of the Week

Sharpen Your Swing: Morikawa’s Ball-Striking Secrets

Collin Morikawa is known for his precision and consistency, and he’s quickly become a standout ball-striker on the PGA Tour. With two major titles under his belt by age 24, he’s sharing some of the key strategies that help him deliver clutch performances under pressure.

One of Morikawa’s biggest keys? Finding and owning your personal rhythm. Whether you have a quick or slow tempo, consistency is what matters. He recommends focusing on a smooth start and a balanced finish to keep everything in sync, especially in high-stress situations.

He also emphasizes the importance of finishing your swing. Thinking about where you want to end up can help you hit through the ball with purpose, encouraging better contact and control. Morikawa varies his finishes depending on the shot shape he wants—cut, fade, or draw.

Morikawa doesn’t stop learning either. He pays attention to his playing partners and often picks up valuable tips just by watching how the pros carry themselves or approach certain shots. He encourages golfers to do the same—there’s always something new to learn from others.

For those looking to get better ball-striking feel, Morikawa uses a couple of simple but powerful drills. Punch shots with planted feet help focus on impact, and a glove-under-the-arm drill keeps your swing connected and compact.

Finally, he stresses the mental side of the game. Reviewing rounds with his coach, he identifies whether mistakes came from poor execution or bad decision-making. Often, smarter choices—not just better swings—are what keep scores low.

Golf Tip adapted from Golf Digest. Read the full article here: Collin Morikawa’s best tips for being a better ball-striker

Recipe Tip of the Week

Easy Banana Bread: Step by Step

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil, plus more for greasing pan
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook’s Note)
• 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup buttermilk, sour cream or yogurt
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 soft, very ripe, darkly speckled medium bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, chopped pecans (optional), granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
3. Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl: whisk together eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, brown sugar, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
4. Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined—lumps are totally fine.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and gently tap it on the counter to level it out.
6. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tip adapted from Food Network. Read the full article here: The Best Banana Bread

Travel Tip of the Week

Luxury Travel on a Budget: 2025 Picks

If you’re dreaming of luxury without breaking the bank, Travel + Leisure’s 2025 “It List” rounds up stunning new hotels around the world—all under $300 a night. These stays don’t skimp on style, amenities, or atmosphere. From spa sanctuaries to historic hideaways, here are five standout picks:

1. Anna & Bel – Philadelphia, USA
   A charming boutique spot nestled in Philly’s Fishtown neighborhood. This 47-room hotel blends local art, cozy communal spaces, and a greenhouse-like courtyard with a trendy cocktail bar.
2. Basq House – Byron Bay, Australia
   A creative retreat inspired by Moroccan riads, featuring an indoor-outdoor library, stylish decor, and lush balconies perfect for post-beach lounging.
3. Cascada – Portland, Oregon, USA
   A true wellness destination with Portland’s largest hydrothermal spa, sound baths, and a globally inspired restaurant that foodies will love.
4. The Flat Iron Hotel – Asheville, North Carolina, USA
   This restored 1920s gem brings Art Deco vibes and local flavor through its Appalachian-inspired cuisine and speakeasy-style cocktail bar.
5. Hotel Humano – Puerto Escondido, Mexico
   A chic surfside escape in Oaxaca, blending earthy modern design, a rooftop lounge, and easy access to La Punta’s beginner-friendly waves.

Want more dreamy getaways at an affordable price? Read the full article below!

Travel Tip adapted from Travel & Leisure. Read the full article here: The Best New Affordable Luxury Hotels in the World

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