The cost of college continues to rise, with average annual expenses reaching nearly $30,000 at public four-year, in-state universities and more than $62,000 at private institutions. It's no surprise that funding a four-year degree can feel like a daunting goal, but with the right preparation, it isn't out of reach. When it comes to planning for your child's or grandchild's education, time is your greatest advantage. Starting early allows you to take small, consistent steps that build toward a much stronger financial future. It's important to remember that scholarships, grants, and financial aid can significantly reduce college costs, and a thoughtful plan in place today can make all the difference tomorrow. We're here to help you take that first step with confidence!
College Planning for Your Kids or Grandkids Ages 0-5
If your child is still in preschool or just starting elementary school, college may feel like a lifetime away. We recommend starting now because it gives your savings and investments time to grow, giving you more flexibility and security later on.
529 Plans offer tax-advantaged growth and can be used for K–12 & higher education
College savings impact financial aid eligibility, so understanding the FAFSA formula early helps
Early planning eases the burden of student loans later in life
Start Saving Early and Stay Flexible
Planning ahead for a child's education is one of the most meaningful financial gifts you can give. Starting early creates flexibility—whether that's minimizing future student debt, maximizing aid opportunities, or simply giving your child more choices. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:
Explore scholarship opportunities early. Many are available before loan options even come into play.
Review federal loan options first if borrowing becomes necessary, as they may offer more favorable terms than private alternatives.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)—even if you don't expect to qualify for need-based aid. Many scholarships and institutional grants still require it.
FAFSA Deadline Reminder: For incoming or current college students in the 2024–2025 academic year, the FAFSA must be submitted by 11:59 PM CT on June 30, 2025. Click here to learn more: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa!
We've helped numerous families design customized college funding strategies that fit their broader goals and timelines. If you or someone you care about has questions about getting started, we're always here to help guide the way!
Summer Advisor Schedules & Support
At U-Vest®, we understand the importance of spending time with family. Whether it's welcoming a new baby or recharging on a well-earned vacation, our team is taking some time to focus on what matters most:
Michael Davino will be out from June 18 to July 7. During this time, Tim Dean will be available to assist in his place. You can reach Tim at Timothy@u-vestfinancial.com or by phone at 850-300-7055.
Dustin Johnson will be out from June 27 through July 18, with limited access during the first and third week, and completely offline during the second week.
Allie Winchester will be on maternity leave from June 30 through the end of August.
Tobi Sanders will also be out at the end of the week of June 30, likely into the start of the following week.
If you'd like to speak with Dustin, Allie, or another advisor before these dates, please reach out to the office as soon as possible. Don't worry—the rest of the U-Vest® team will be here and ready to assist with anything you may need!
Tampa Bay Area Office Announcement
Our St. Petersburg office is officially closed as we transition to our new location nearby in Odessa. We understand that convenience matters, and we want to assure you that we remain fully committed to serving you, no matter where you are in the Tampa Bay Area. We are continuing to offer in-person meetings at our new Odessa office, in our meeting rooms in Clearwater, or via video conference. Please don't hesitate to contact our Odessa/Tampa Bay Area team if you have any questions!
Special Dates Coming Up in July:
July 1 — National Financial Freedom Day: A great reminder to take charge of your financial future.
July 4 — Independence Day: Celebrating the Land of the Free.
July 15 — Q2 Estimated Tax Payments Due: Q2 tax payments due for self-employed and quarterly filers.
July 18 — Insurance Nerd Day: A fun reminder to review your policies and stay protected.