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By Invite Education

The recent tax bill expands 529 savings plans to include expenses for elementary and secondary education. And, the annual gift tax exclusion has increased. This is big news for education savers – no matter how much you are saving!

Congress wanted to make it easier to save for education. Traditionally, 529 plans have been used to cover college costs only, making 529 savings plans the go-to option to save for college for many families.

As a new college grad, saving any money may seem like a far-off pipe-dream. We are here to tell you that saving is possible for just about anyone. Saving takes diligence - and sometimes means making sacrifices - but a little bit can go a long way in helping you reach your goals. 

Your child has made a big commitment by choosing to go to college. Likewise, you are putting a large commitment in your child by agreeing to pay for college. But many parents, like yourself, can't help but wonder, "how the heck am I going to pay for this?"

The sticker price on a college education can no doubt lead to shock. If you see that number and wonder how to pay for college with no money, know that there are options available. Most families these days don't pay the sticker price published on a college website.

Here's what you can do so you don't need to either. 

Have you ever checked your bank statement and saw that you spent $60 on Uber, $150 going out to eat and $75 on your new fall wardrobe in a month? Yikes! Cue the big sigh and panic. You may have thought, "how am I going to pay my bills, put gas in my car and buy textbooks for the class I've just enrolled in?"

When you break down your expenses into categories such as food, transportation, incidentals, etc, you might be surprised how much you're actually spending. Think about how many hours you had to work for each transaction you made. Was it worth the long hours standing on your feet working retail or running around bussing tables? Hmm.... All of those "little" expenses add up and make a huge difference! 

It's time to come up with a plan to minimize spending, so here are our tips for budget conscious college students.

If you're a college student or recent college grad and feel like you don't have a lot of money for food - or any dinner inspiration - this one is for you! As a recent grad, I know it can be really difficult to meal plan, get yourself to the grocery store, and work within a tight budget. "About 42% of millennials’ monthly food budget is spent on food prepared outside the home according to a survey last year by Acosta. Millennials spent an average of $202 a month on food prepared outside the home last year," according to a recent Wall Street Journal article.

Identity theft, sometimes called identity fraud, is extremely serious. Yet, reports say it happens to Americans every two seconds.  So, what is identity theft and is there anything you can do to lower your risk? Here are some tips you can use to protect yourself.

Setting off for college gives you a fresh start and renewed energy. You'll have the opportunity to get involved in a new social scene, begin living independently, and have the chance to establish your personality as a young adult. In the midst of this exciting time, it's important to remember that the main purpose of your college career is to lay the framework for your future. This framework goes beyond academics and career planning. By living independently, you now will have the responsibility of managing your finances.

Your tuition deadline has passed, but you still have a balance due on your account at your college. What do you do? We are here to help with this list of do's and don'ts for paying the balance on your tuition bill. 

First, a word of warning: the vast majority of employees believe that they deserve a raise. We all want more money!

Your credit history can impact whether you’re approved to open credit card accounts in your name, or if you can secure student loans, auto financing or home loans at competitive rates. Your credit history may even determine whether you’re approved to rent an apartment or secure a job with certain employers.