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This article focuses on how to use tax savings for college tuition and how to write off loan payments. The tax break is for families paying for educations costs and for those paying interest on loans. Tax payers can deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid off their taxes. Families must understand that there are many restrictions to this break such as income level and relationship to the dependent, but this is an easy way to save money and pay for college tuition.

Although many families have lost their savings with the current market decline college tuition continue to increase. This article explores various strategies and implementations to save for college and not accumulate debt. Parents should be aware that colleges are slashing budgets and reducing spending, but many have agreed to continue financing scholarships and financial aid packages. It is a good idea to have your child apply to three safety schools because competition is at its highest. Thanks to the government student loans are still readily available and should be a families first option due to the low interest rate.

Supiano gives us a look at financial literacy programs at universities across the United States. Attracting students to attend the program did not prove difficult, but the problem is, that many sign up, but don't follow through with attending. The program intention is to help students master the basics of budgeting, saving, and not spending beyond their means. College students especially need to understand the implication of irresponsible spending since tuition, fees and housing cost continue to rise. Supiano argues that financial literacy affects student retention, productivity, and mental health. The article also discusses where the responsibility should be for providing financial education. Financial-aid offices aren't equipped to offer an in-depth and broader education in financial literacy but they try. Home continues to be the best place to start the ground work for financial literacy.

Tuition and fees increased 439 percent from 1982 to 2007, while median family income rose 147 percent.

The fourth quarter college plans have continued to decrease due to the economic crisis. The assets in 529 college savings plans fell over 21% from last year. Investors are optimistic and the data shows that people are still attempting to save for college. Unfortunately many parents do not know how to save or how much they will need for college. College expenses continue to increase faster that wages and have increased at a rate of 5.7% a year. If this trend continues the gap between income and college tuition is going to be even more difficult to cope with.

The article discusses financial-literacy programs at universities and colleges in the United States. Programs like Texas Tech University's help its students master the basics of budgeting, saving, and not buying what they can't afford. These programs are especially important as colleges grapple with rising costs and an economic downturn in the country. The author states that financial literacy affects student retention, productivity, and mental health, and may also generate good will in a time when colleges are being criticized for repeatedly raising tuition, fees, and housing costs. (From the EBSCO abstract.)

The article focuses on the problem of college debt and knowledge about financial terms. It also goes into discussion of what some universities are doing to help this problem by offering classes/seminars. Valuable article.