The College Investor Audio Show

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8 Popular Alternative Investments Ideas And Examples Mar 31, 2025

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With the stock market down almost 10% this year, more and more investors are looking for alternative investments outside of stocks and bonds.

Diversifying an investment portfolio means not putting all your investment dollars into the same asset.

Some people view a few dozen individual stocks as a diverse investment portfolio. Others want to buy broad-based index funds that represent entire stock markets. And others want bonds, stocks, and cash to keep their portfolio from having too much volatility.

However, diversification can go beyond typical financial assets. Some investors may turn towards alternative investments to augment their portfolios.

Although "alternative investments" are often described as a single group by financial advisors, this asset class represents a diverse array of investment opportunities. But which alternative investments are most popular? Keep reading to find out!

How To Use A Roth IRA To Save For College Mar 29, 2025

Show notes

While a Roth IRA is one of the best ways to save for retirement, it can also be used to save for college.

A Roth IRA is one of the best ways to invest for retirement, since the money inside it grows tax-free and in most cases, withdrawals for retirement come without any tax consequences. It can be an especially great way to save for retirement when you're young and your income is relatively low. If you're in a low tax bracket, getting a tax deduction (like for 401(k) or Traditional IRA contributions) won't benefit you nearly as much.

But while the primary use of a Roth IRA is for retirement, there are a couple of other ways that you can withdraw money from your Roth IRA without paying a penalty.

One of those is for qualified higher education expenses. That makes using a Roth IRA to save for college one option to consider.

How Structured Settlements Impact Financial Aid Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Eligibility for need-based financial aid depends on the student’s demonstrated financial need. Structured settlements can change how a student's financial aid is evaluated.

Financial need is the difference between the college’s annual Cost of Attendance (COA) and the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI).

In some cases, a structured settlement can be used to shelter settlement money from student financial aid formulas. But ultimately the timing of the payments will determine how structured settlements impact financial aid applications. We break down the rules below to help you plan.

What To Do If Your Financial Aid Appeal Is Denied Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

Financial aid can provide students with access to educational options they may not have otherwise had. But sometimes, students are denied additional financial aid, even after making an appeal.

If you appealed for additional financial aid, but your appeal was denied, you still have a few options. In this article, we'll let you know what steps you can take to try and secure more financial aid. We'll also provide you with some alternative places to look for money.

Can Student Loans Be Discharged In Bankruptcy? Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

It's a common myth that student loans cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. However, the U.S. Department of Education has the legal authority to allow a borrower’s federal student loans to be discharged in bankruptcy, in certain circumstances. It has not, however, generally exercised this authority.

Instead, it often opposes undue hardship petitions. The general reasoning is that the availability of income-driven repayment plans provides sufficient financial relief for borrowers who face severe economic distress.

But is this reasonable, or should the Department of Education allow more student loan discharges in bankruptcy? Below, we discuss what we think, as well as a new bipartisan bill that could significantly change how students loans are handled in bankruptcy courts.

What Happens To An HSA When You Die? Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

A Health Savings Account, or HSA, is arguably the best tax-advantaged account available in the United States. Contributions and qualified withdrawals are tax-free, which makes an HSA perhaps the only way you can earn, invest, and spend without paying taxes.

While we don’t usually like to think about it, we’re all going to die someday. Money-savvy folks want to know what happens to their HSAs when they die. Here’s an in-depth look at what happens so you know how to include your HSA in your estate plan.

The Top 10 Best Investors Of All Time Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

I thought it would be interesting to look at some of the best investors in modern time. These are all individuals who made significant amounts of money by sticking to solid investment philosophies.

If you look at their strategies as well, they aren't very difficult or complex - they stick to basic financials of a company and look for value. If they believe there is value, they invest, and make tidy profits!

Some of these names may be very familiar, but others you might not know about! There's no particular order, as all of these individuals have an interesting path to investing over the long run.

Are There Time Limits Or Age Limits On 529 Plans? Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

For families saving for education expenses, 529 plans remain one of the most flexible and long-lasting options available.

Unlike other college savings accounts or financial aid programs, 529 plans do not have time or age limits for contributions or withdrawals.

However, some states do have different rules that may impact your 529 plan contribution or withdrawal decisions. Remember, since 529 plans are state-based, each state can create their own rules, regardless of what the federal rules say.

30 Passive Income Ideas You Can Use to Build Real Wealth Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

If you're looking for passive income ideas, you may think the whole concept is a myth - there's no way that you can earn money by doing nothing. It's why passive income is highly sought after, yet often misunderstood.

The truth is, passive income streams require an upfront investment and a lot of nurturing in the beginning. After some time and hard work these income streams start to build and are able to maintain themselves, bringing you consistent revenue without much effort on your part.

Speaking from personal experience, adding passive income streams to your portfolio can help you increase your earnings and accelerate your financial goals in tremendous ways. For example, starting a savings account and earning interest, or investing in dividend paying stocks can all start adding income to your life without having to work! Your money is working for you!

For example, you can use passive income streams to help you get out of debt or achieve financial independence sooner.

Let's get to the passive income ideas!

What Is A Multigenerational Or Dynasty 529 Plan? Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

A Multigenerational 529, also known as a Dynasty 529 Plan, is a way of using one or more 529 plans to leave a legacy of education for future generations. A Dynasty 529 Plan can be set up by parents, grandparents, or other relatives.

With a Dynasty 529 Plan, high net-worth parents save more than is required for their children’s college education, meaning, they can continue to save in the plan even after their kids have graduated. A Dynasty 529 Plan benefits from years of tax-free growth before parents tap into it to pay for the costs of college.

However, passing on a 529 plan to future generations may result in gift taxes and generation-skipping transfer taxes. The 529 plans may also affect eligibility for need-based financial aid.

Depending on the number of descendants and increases in college costs, a Dynasty 529 Plan might not be enough to pay for the college costs of all future generations.

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