Despite market losses, it's worth staying in a 529 college savings plan - but be smart Jun 17, 2009
Massachusetts 529 college savings plan is called the U. Fund. . (Boston Globe)
College-Savings Plans Don't Need to Blow Up Jun 16, 2009
College-Savings Plans Dont Need to Blow Up: Jane Bryant Quinn - Bloomberg ... College-Savings Plans Dont Need to Blow Up: Jane Bryant Quinn ... In April, Oregon sued OppenheimerFunds Inc., which manages the Oregon College Savings Plan, for taking extreme risks in what was billed as a conservative bond fund. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Occupational Therapist Home Health/Outpt Jun 16, 2009
Benefits To attract and retain the best professionals, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), college savings plan, employee assistance program, pre-paid legal plan and much more. Equal Employment Opportunity HEALTHSOUTH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (Florida Today)
Neb. try to recoup college-savings losses Jun 16, 2009
Last year, one of the funds offered by the company lost 36 percent of its value, leading investment researcher Morningstar to put that piece of the College Savings Plan of Nebraska on its "worst college savings plan" list in April ... More than 400 Nebraskans and 30,000 people outside of the state invested in the fund through the College Savings Plan of Nebraska, which Osborn's office helps manage ... Last month, the state stopped offering as part of its college-savings plan the Oppenheimer fund... (Sioux City Journal, IO)
More public servants, not less: Fraser Jun 16, 2009
There has been no change," she said. Earlier, the Premier defended her public sector cost savings plan, reporting that the $280 million would be found from cuts in public sector travel, government advertising savings and by cutting parliamentary meals allowances. Related Coverage 3:41pm The State Budget will remain in deficit for eight years, with Treasurer ... Today in Business Story Tools Latest BusinessDay Video Roozendaal's 'responsible' budget NSW Treasurer Eric Roozendaal announces his... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Government Programs Worth the Effort But Check Details Jun 16, 2009
Also added were an increase to the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) withdrawal limit under the Home Buyers' Plan and the new C$750 First Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit. These measures are designed to "help stimulate the housing sector through increased demand for labour, building materials and other goods" and they may help you, too. (RealtyTimes)
Defence releases $20 billion savings plan Jun 4, 2009
After weeks of criticism for releasing a bold 20-year security blueprint without outlining the source of its funding, the Defence Department has released an outline of its $20 billion savings plan. But the 30-page plan, tabled yesterday at a Senate estimates committee, still appeared to be thin on details and raised further questions about the substance behind the Government's long-term Defence planning. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
EON Bank seeking 50,000 more customers Jun 3, 2009
The base interest rate is a savings plan interest rate based on the customers agreed savings rate. With the additional rate, customers may enjoy a total interest rate of up to 1. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Health industry delivers savings plan to Obama Jun 2, 2009
1, 2009 03:47 PM Associated Press. WASHINGTON - Health industry officials sought Monday to make good on a $2 trillion savings proposal announced with great fanfare at the White House, but they came up short by several hundred billion dollars. (AZCentral -- News)
Managing your wealth May 30, 2009
For many others, they barely have enough during these tough times to make ends meet, let alone, have an investment and savings plan. Jeremy Tan, a licensed financial adviser with Standard Financial Planner Sdn Bhd, says that financial planning services is a growing market as more people are becoming aware of the importance of their financial health. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Parents & Grandparents: Enrollment Still Open for State's 529 Prepaid College Tuition Program for Children Age One or Younger May 29, 2009
Unlike a savings plan, College Illinois ... College Savings Day was established by the College Savings Plans Network to raise awareness about saving for college and highlight the benefits of 529 plans. (PR Newswire)
'In The Black': A financial how-to with African Americans in mind May 26, 2009
Enroll in your employer's tax-deferred retirement savings plan if one is offered. Schedule "abundance days." Once a week, don't purchase anything. (USA Today -- Money)
Learn tips on funding education expenses Thursday May 25, 2009
The seminar also will focus on the following: The reality of educational costs; The value of systematically saving for education expenses (A systematic savings plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. The basic financial choices available for education savings; The basic guidelines for financial aid; Ways in which to set goals for education savings expenses. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Defence plans 'unaffordable' May 22, 2009
The Minister of Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, said last week the $21 billion savings plan was achievable but defence officials had been warned a failure to meet targets would require acquisitions to be cut back. Story Tools. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Oregon's new AG heads straight for center stage May 17, 2009
Kroger has filed several big lawsuits, including one seeking 36 million in damages from the investment firm OppenheimerFunds Inc. over steep losses in the Oregon College Savings Plan. He's also leading the state's appeal of a federal agency's decision to approve a liquefied natural gas terminal on the Columbia River near Astoria. (Longview Daily News, WA)
The consequences of declaring personal bankruptcy May 16, 2009
Recent federal legislation also ensures that you can keep the money in your registered retirement savings plan, as long as it was in the plan for at least a year before you declared bankruptcy. Why is the price of crude oil rising so fast when worldwide demand does not seem to have increased. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Essential Energy Services Trust Announces First Quarter 2009 Results, Credit Facility Renewal and Quarterly Distribution May 13, 2009
In February 2009 the Trust announced that the executive management team has taken 10% voluntary salary rollbacks and the Trust had suspended its short term incentive and savings plan matching programs. As a result of these initiatives and other discretionary cost saving measures implemented since that time, the Trust expects to realize a further $4. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Federal Budget 2009 - full coverage May 13, 2009
A $20 billion defence savings plan has been largely postponed even though the funds are needed to pay for a 20-year build-up of the nation's naval and air power. --> Topics. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Is it time to boost your college savings for kids? May 13, 2009
Contribute to a Section 529 savings plan. In a 529 plan, you invest money in specific securities, managed by professionals. (Rockport Pilot, TX)
Pay less, earn more! May 12, 2009
You earn interest from the first rand saved and if you choose a fixed savings plan youll earn even more. Question: I want to get a credit card as I think it will help me pay for things more easily. (iAfrica.com)
Do your homework on college 529 plans May 10, 2009
Many have turned to a 529, a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs ... In fact, in its sixth annual survey of the best and worst 529 college-savings plans, Morningstar Inc., an independent investment research firm, criticized several plans for maintaining too-aggressive asset allocations for students nearing, or already in college ... "The terrible performance of some 529 plans in 2008 clearly illustrates that, now more than ever, investors can't... (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Before investing in a 529 college savings plan, do some due diligence May 10, 2009
Despite the tumultuous stock market, I still believe that a 529 college savings plan is a good long-term strategy ... In its sixth annual survey of the best and worst 529 college-savings plans, Morningstar Inc. criticized several plans for maintaining too-aggressive asset allocations for students nearing, or already in college ... There are two types of 529s: prepaid tuition plans and savings plans. (Boston Globe)
Web sites that foster good money skills May 9, 2009
Wondering if it's time to start a retirement savings plan. The answer, no matter how old you are, is yes. (FOX61, CT)
Tuition prepayment proposal stalls May 9, 2009
It is billed as an alternative to the hard-hit Oregon College Savings Plan, which has lost 25 percent of its value in the past year. But university officials think there is too much financial risk and uncertainty in the plan, said Jay Kenton, the Oregon University System's vice chancellor for finance and administration. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Puma 1Q net profit falls to euro5.6 million May 8, 2009
The company did not provide a more detailed outlook, but said those measures included a cost savings plan which aims to save euro150 million by 2011. - AP. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Tracking your fund's investment policies May 8, 2009
-TALK TO 401(k) DECISIONMAKERS: Your investment options may be limited if you invest in a 401(k) or other employer-provided savings plan. If your plan doesn't offer the options you're seeking, contact the employer's investment committee, or others who may be responsible for selecting the plan manager. (AZCentral -- Business)
Legislate savings to boost pensions: economist May 7, 2009
Many Canadians are unaware of how little their retirement investments will yield, so the Harper government should consider a new mandatory savings plan that goes beyond the modest payouts of the Canada Pension Plan, Toronto Dominion chief economist Don Drummond said ... Big stock-market declines in 2008 and early 2009 have slashed the value of registered retirement savings plans. (Globe and Mail)
Probe shows college fund poorly monitored May 7, 2009
The five-member board that oversees the Oregon College Savings Plan decided in January to withdraw from the bond fund. It dumped the fund in late March. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
College savings plan rated near bottom May 6, 2009
HELENA Montana's college savings plan has been rated one of the worst in the country by the investment research firm Morningstar Inc., even as climbing college costs are making it harder for many students and families. The firm's annual review of college savings plans looks at fees, investment portfolio quality and plan flexibility. (Missoulian, MT)
Best low-risk 529 plans May 6, 2009
For parents saving for their kids' college, a 529 savings plan still makes sense - as long as it offers good, low-risk investment options and doesn't eat up too much in fees. These three make the grade. (CNN -- Money)
State did little as savings tanked May 5, 2009
State officials were slow to catch and even slower to put a stop to risky investments by managers of the Oregon College Savings Plan that resulted in tens of millions of dollars in losses to students and their families, documents obtained by The Oregonian show. E-mails between the state treasurer's office and OppenheimerFunds provide new details of how officials reacted as $1 billion in college investments plummeted to $744 million in less than a year. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Voice of the People - May 3, 2009 May 4, 2009
That leaves at least $62,500, of which 10 percent or at least $6,250 would be used to invest in an IRA or some sort of savings plan. The final stipulation would be that the government would then tax the remainder of at least $56,250 at 20 percent so $11,250 would be paid back to the government to help pay down the debt for future generations. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Despite planners' advice, many spend tax refunds Apr 29, 2009
While he advises most clients to save, he said other smart moves include maxing out an individual retirement account, or IRA, contribution for the year or setting aside money in a college savings plan. He also suggests that some clients make an extra mortgage payment, if possible. (Boston Globe)
Obama reshaping personal finance Apr 29, 2009
Mutual fund companies want Labor Department rules to be relaxed so that their investment advisers can personally offer advice to workplace savings plan participants. Critics are calling for stronger safeguards to protect consumers from potentially biased information from advisers with financial incentives to recommend certain investment products. (AZCentral -- Business)
Blunkett seeks 'end to ID cards' Apr 29, 2009
" Using existing databases to hold the same information already gathered to issue passports could be a way of allaying fears over a new "database of information", one of the key criticisms of the ID scheme. "People don't worry about the Passport Agency but they do worry about some mythical identity database," he said. Last month Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said government plans for introducing ID cards were "on track" but there have been reports that the scheme could be dropped. The Independent... (BBC News -- Technology)
GM fund dumps all of companys shares Apr 28, 2009
State Street said the General Motors Savings Plan now consists entirely of short-term, cash-based investments. By the end of May, the GM Common Stock Fund will be eliminated as an option for company employees, the investment manager said. (MSNBC -- Business)
President’s savings plan is underwhelming Apr 28, 2009
President s savings plan is underwhelming. By Steve Flowers. (Atmore Advance, AL)
529, other plans offer help for college Apr 19, 2009
It's also important to start saving early, said Scott Malyerck, the deputy state treasurer for South Carolina, whose office manages the Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan ... The 529 savings plan, however, is more flexible and provides "a wider range of use for your money and lets you control what you spend it on." ... Future Scholar College Savings Plan: or (888) 244-5674. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Oregon Sues OppenheimerFunds Over $37 Million in College Savings Plan Losses Apr 16, 2009
Kroger said Illinois and Texas have similar investigations under way, but Oregon became the first to file seeking to recover lost assets in the Oregon College Savings Plan, plus interest and attorney fees. The suit alleges negligence and breaches of contract and fiduciary duties. (Law.com)
Oppenheimer denies wrongdoing in Oregon college fund loss Apr 16, 2009
-- The investment firm facing a lawsuit over steep losses in the Oregon College Savings Plan denies any wrongdoing and blames market volatility for the losses. OppenheimerFunds Inc. says accusations in the lawsuit by Oregon Attorney General John Kroger are unfair and lack merit. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Mutual funds gain despite market turmoil Apr 16, 2009
IFIC released the final tally for the key three-month registered retirement savings plan season along with the official $520-million total net sales figure for March. The bulk of the new cash flowed into money market investments with bond funds the second-favourite. (Globe and Mail)
Editorial: Shorn again on tax day Apr 16, 2009
Oregon is suing OppenheimerFunds for having lost, in the financial market decline, some 36 million that belonged to the Oregon college savings plan. The state said the investment fund had promised conservative investments but lost the money in speculative bond funds instead. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
OppenheimerFunds Responds to Oregon Lawsuit Apr 15, 2009
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. responds to charges from the State of Oregon about the OppenheimerFunds 529 Plan and the Oregon College Savings Plan ... NEW YORK, April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- OppenheimerFunds, Inc. ("OFI") is very disappointed by the actions of the Oregon Attorney General's Office in filing a lawsuit against it yesterday seeking to recover amounts lost in investments held in the OppenheimerFunds 529 Plan (advisor-sold) and the Oregon College Savings Plan (direct-sold). (PR Newswire)
State sues Oppenheimer fund Apr 15, 2009
Treasurer Ben Westlund and Attorney General John Kroger filed the suit against OppenheimerFunds to recover lost assets in Oregon College Savings Plan Oregon 529 college accounts. The suit charges the fund with breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. (Portland Business Journal, OR)
Ore. Sues Fund Company for College Savings Losses Apr 14, 2009
2 million in damages from OppenheimerFunds Inc., which managed a fund responsible for steep losses in the Oregon College Savings Plan ... The five-member board that oversees the Oregon College Savings Plan decided in January to withdraw from the bond fund. (ABC News -- Wire)
Burned investors take do-it-yourself route Apr 14, 2009
As evidence, he cites TD Waterhouse's experience since the end of registered retirement savings plan season. Usually, you have a bit of a tail-off after RRSP season, because that's our big selling season, traditionally. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Oregon sues Oppenheimer Funds for mismanaging college savings Apr 14, 2009
-- Oregon has become the first state in the U.S. to sue an investment fund manager for making risky bets with college savings plans ... Westlund and Kroger claim that between 2007 and 2008, Oppenheimer -- a well-known public investment fund manager that is the most popular college savings plan in Oregon -- diverted funds from conservative and ultra-conservative investments into more aggressive, risky ones in search of larger returns ... The fund managed two college savings plans in Oregon. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Your Career: Employers squeezing workers Apr 14, 2009
47 percent reduced, 32 percent froze and 21 percent completely eliminated an employer match in a defined contribution retirement savings plan. 44 percent reduced paid time off. (MSNBC -- Business)
State sues over college fund savings losses Apr 14, 2009
2 million in damages from OppenheimerFunds Inc., which managed a fund responsible for steep losses in the Oregon College Savings Plan. They said in a statement Monday the Oppenheimer Core Bond Fund lost 36 percent of its value last year, but comparable funds in a benchmark index posted a gain of about 5 percent. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Insuring against that school sport injury Apr 13, 2009
Last Updated: 07:07am 30 Mar 2009. 11 24 SPONSORED LINKS. (iAfrica.com)
Dieter learns to ignore call of 24/7 food Apr 13, 2009
By Nanci Hellmich, USA TODAY Ebony Lugo, 23, a switchboard operator at a college in New York City, turned her weight-loss journey into a savings plan. She has lost 48 pounds over the past year and slashed her food budget by more than half. (USA Today)
BELD commissioners invited to next council meeting Apr 11, 2009
I would like the commissioners to share with us their (fiscal year) 2010 budget, focusing on any cost savings plan they may have, Clifford explained to his colleagues on April 7 before a unanimous vote was taken to issue the invitation. We have no objection to this at all, Chairman Thomas Reynolds told the council. (Braintree Forum, MA)
Good news from the tax man Apr 10, 2009
Nearly all reported cutting their personal debt and starting a savings plan. The EITC program is sometimes considered a form of cash assistance to the poor, but it is far from welfare. (Boston Globe)
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Announces More cuts Apr 9, 2009
Officials say the symphony's four-year savings plan is expected to save $4. 2 million. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
20 People Win Unique Prize From the Virginia Lottery: $50,000 Virginia College Savings Plan Scholarships Apr 9, 2009
Each won a $50,000 account in the Virginia Education Savings Trust (VEST), a 529 program administered by the Virginia College Savings Plan ... The Virginia Lottery will fund the scholarship prizes and representatives of the Virginia College Savings Plan will assist each winner and his or her designated beneficiary or beneficiaries ... "We look forward to working with the VEST scholarship winners and to sharing information on VEST and how it helps families save -- and later spend -- funds for... (PR Newswire)
Solid Growth in Canadian Operations Lead Cogeco Cable to Strong Results Despite a Non-Cash Impairment in its European Operations Intangible Assets Apr 9, 2009
The Corporation and its Canadian subsidiaries offer their employees contributory defined benefit pension plans, a defined contribution pension plan or a collective registered retirement savings plan, which are described in the Corporation's annual consolidated financial statements ... ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three months ended Six months ended February 28, February 29,... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Getting the axe? Some tips from a pro Apr 7, 2009
From there, you should look at your line of credit and then, as a last resort, your registered retirement savings plan. If you're worried about a layoff and don't already have a secured credit line (your home is used as security in exchange for a preferential interest rate), Mr. Rechtshaffen suggests you go out right now and set one up. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
School savings plan provides Hoosiers Apr 7, 2009
State Treasurer Richard Mourdock, Chairman of the Indiana Education Savings Authority (IESA), announced that Hoosiers who invested in a CollegeChoice 529 Savings Plan linked to the Upromise Rewards program have received over 350,000 in free savings for their children's college education. Hoosier parents are continuing to benefit from their Indiana CollegeChoice 529 Savings Plan and the Upromise Rewards program, explained Treasurer Mourdock ... Last September, the IESA relaunched Indiana's 529... (Winchester News-Gazette, IN)
Budgeting the ‘write’ way curbs spending Apr 7, 2009
The next step is to decide what your personal financial goals are, such as preparing for large purchases like a home or a new car, and establishing a savings plan so you can begin building your nest egg. Once your goals are in place, you ll be much more motivated to create a spending budget that will allow you to achieve them. (Santa Maria Times)
With RRIFs, get it right the first time Apr 4, 2009
By the end of the year in which you turn 71, you must convert your registered retirement savings plan into a RRIF. With RRSPs, you have some protection if the markets go wrong. You can toss in some extra cash if you have the contribution room, and for many people there's the comfort of knowing they have years to go before they dip into their retirement savings. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Consumer psychology: From buy, buy to bye-bye Apr 4, 2009
Sears, another American retailer, recently revived a savings plan it used many years ago, known as the Layaway programme , under which a consumer can make a down payment on an item that is then held for him for a fixed period while he saves the rest of the cash needed to buy it. A second shift in consumer psychology has been prompted by fallout from the global banking crisis and the furore over huge bonuses paid by firms rescued with public money; by a wave of financial scandals, such as the... (The Economist)
A.H. Belo to cut salaries Apr 3, 2009
A.H. Belo also confirmed Thursday that the board has approved the company s plan to suspend the company s savings plan employer matching contribution. Other significant changes at A.H. Belo include the company s decision to use as its independent auditor, replacing its former auditor. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
GOP unveils its plan to save $215,000,000 Apr 2, 2009
Sioux City Journal : GOP unveils its plan to save 215,000,000. GOP unveils its plan to save 215,000,000. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Emory employees help hospital cut $30M Apr 1, 2009
Matching at 50 cents on the dollar for the first 4 percent of contributions to the employee savings plan, down from a dollar-to-dollar match. The move will save $5 million to $6 million a year. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Tuition savings fund sagging Apr 1, 2009
As Wall Street hit the skids in the second half of last year, Pennsylvania parents looking for a safer haven for their college savings funds poured $102 million into the state's $1 billion Guaranteed Savings Plan ... The prepaid plan isn't the only option Pennsylvanians have for so-called 529 college savings plans, which give investors federal tax advantages if the money invested is used for college expenses. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
