The Reading Room
Planning notes for families
Plain-language guides on saving for education, financial aid, and the choices families face. Written to help you understand the trade-offs before you act.
Saving5 min read
State prepaid tuition plans: locking in today's prices
Prepaid plans let you buy future tuition at today's prices. They're powerful but narrow — here's how to judge them.
Sep 22, 2026
Saving5 min read
Custodial accounts (UTMA) explained for families
A UTMA gives a child assets they control at adulthood. It's flexible, but that flexibility cuts both ways.
Sep 18, 2026
Financial aid5 min read
What the FAFSA actually pays for (and what it doesn't)
The FAFSA is the gateway to most financial aid, but it's not a check. Here's what it unlocks and what families often get wrong.
Sep 15, 2026
Comparing options6 min read
Roth IRA vs. 529: Which saves more for college
Both can fund education, but they answer different questions. Here's how to think about using one or both.
Sep 12, 2026
Saving5 min read
529 Plans 101: A parent's starter guide
What a 529 plan is, how the money grows tax-free for education, and the three questions to answer before you open one.
Sep 10, 2026