Arts & Entertainment Food For Thought Homeward Bound Just Business Road Trip This & That

ARCHIVES

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
What we REALLY need to fear
by Jill Schlesinger
09-23-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Fall Out
by Jill Schlesinger
09-22-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Back to School: Advanced Placement
by Jill Schlesinger
09-13-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Inversion Immersion Over
by Jill Schlesinger
09-1--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Housing, shopping, eating and drinking
by Jill Schlesinger
08-9--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Hindsight Bias
by Jill Schlesinger
08-8--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Here Come the Bonds
by Jill Schlesinger
08-4--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
403 B-WARE
by Jill Schlesinger
08-31-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Is That Really Saving?
by Jill Schlesinger
08-3--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Short Memories
by Jill Schlesinger
08-29-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
More Housing Grousing
by Jill Schlesinger
08-26-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
LTC TLC
by Jill Schlesinger
08-2--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Price Advice
by Jill Schlesinger
08-18-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Entertainment vs. Real Life
by Jill Schlesinger
08-17-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Lies Unearthed
by Jill Schlesinger
08-16-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Death to the Death Tax?
by Jill Schlesinger
08-15-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
When will we care?
by Jill Schlesinger
08-13-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Lender Bender
by Jill Schlesinger
08-11-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
First Down, Federal Reserve
by Jill Schlesinger
08-10-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Good Idea, Bad Execution
by Jill Schlesinger
08-1--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
June Spending Spree
by Jill Schlesinger
07-8--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Grim Reminder
by Jill Schlesinger
07-7--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Balancing Act
by Jill Schlesinger
07-6--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Good News to Help Your Re-entry
by Jill Schlesinger
07-5--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Housing Boom is Dea
by Jill Schlesinger
07-28-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Lance, France and Finance
by Jill Schlesinger
07-27-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Unethical and Dishonest
by Jill Schlesinger
07-26-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Portfolio CSI
by Jill Schlesinger
07-22-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
All My Taxes, Continued
by Jill Schlesinger
07-21-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Debt Fret
by Jill Schlesinger
07-20-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Tempus Fugit (Time Flies)
by Jill Schlesinger
07-19-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Gored, Ignored and Bored
by Jill Schlesinger
07-18-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Bernie Faces the Music
by Jill Schlesinger
07-14-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Above Average Mack
by Jill Schlesinger
07-13-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Real Bottom Line
by Jill Schlesinger
07-12-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Lessons from London
by Jill Schlesinger
07-11-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Independence Day
by Jill Schlesinger
07-1--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Worry Less, Do More
by Jill Schlesinger
06-9--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Less Wealthy
by Jill Schlesinger
06-8--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Boring is Better
by Jill Schlesinger
06-7--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
D-Day for Housing?
by Jill Schlesinger
06-6--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Miffed Maestro
by Jill Schlesinger
06-30-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
No, Non, Nee
by Jill Schlesinger
06-3--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Demise of One-stop Shopping
by Jill Schlesinger
06-29-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
SPAM JAM
by Jill Schlesinger
06-28-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Gentleman’s C
by Jill Schlesinger
06-27-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
A Strange Odor in the Air
by Jill Schlesinger
06-24-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Clear as Glass-Man
by Jill Schlesinger
06-23-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Déjà vu All Over Again
by Jill Schlesinger
06-22-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
TomKat
by Jill Schlesinger
06-21-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Is I-O for You?
by Jill Schlesinger
06-20-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Fed in a Box
by Jill Schlesinger
06-2--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Buffett Wrong?
by Jill Schlesinger
06-17-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
10 vs. 2
by Jill Schlesinger
06-16-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
When the Boss Goes, Should You?
by Jill Schlesinger
06-14-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Diagnosing the Doctor
by Jill Schlesinger
06-13-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
An Old Fashioned Notion
by Jill Schlesinger
06-10-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Arthur’s Revenge
by Jill Schlesinger
06-1--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Here We Go Again…
by Jill Schlesinger
05-9--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
In the Eye of the Beholder
by Jill Schlesinger
05-6--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Menu Overload
by Jill Schlesinger
05-5--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Fed View: Looking Ahead, Looking Back
by Jill Schlesinger
05-4--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Stealth Wealth
by Jill Schlesinger
05-31-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Education Gap
by Jill Schlesinger
05-3--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Reality Financial Planning
by Jill Schlesinger
05-27-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Mixed Emotions
by Jill Schlesinger
05-26-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Froth Defined
by Jill Schlesinger
05-25-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Men are from Mars…
by Jill Schlesinger
05-24-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Dark Side of Investing
by Jill Schlesinger
05-23-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Investors Behaving Badly
by Jill Schlesinger
05-20-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Spender’s Cocktail
by Jill Schlesinger
05-2--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Stag-Party
by Jill Schlesinger
05-19-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Tiger Woods and Other Unexpected Events
by Jill Schlesinger
05-18-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Attention to Pensions
by Jill Schlesinger
05-17-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Single Life
by Jill Schlesinger
05-16-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Go Figure
by Jill Schlesinger
05-13-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Trimming Down
by Jill Schlesinger
05-12-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Miss Hummer’s Summer
by Jill Schlesinger
05-11-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Precise About Advice
by Jill Schlesinger
05-10-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
One Week to Go
by Jill Schlesinger
04-8--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Why They Do What They Do
by Jill Schlesinger
04-7--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
VA-VA-VOOM
by Jill Schlesinger
04-6--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Six Tax Facts, Part 5
by Jill Schlesinger
04-5--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Safe at the Plate
by Jill Schlesinger
04-4--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Slow Down, You Move Too Fast
by Jill Schlesinger
04-29-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Guess the Asset
by Jill Sclesinger
04-27-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
l 26 2005 - With all the talk about steroids these days, we thought we might borrow Jose Canseco’s best-selling title "Juiced
Jill Schlesinger
04-26-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Letter from London
by Jill Schlesinger
04-25-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Filling the Bill
by Jill Schlesinger
04-22-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Twin Sins
by Jill Schlesinger
04-20-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Empty Promises
by Jill Schlesinger
04-19-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Before the Brink
by Jill Schlesinger
04-18-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Small Sacrifices
by Jill Schlesinger
04-15-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Dinner Faux Pas
by Jill Schlesinger
04-14-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Anti-Globalization
by Jill Schlesinger
04-13-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Six Tax Facts Part 6
by Jill Schlesinger
04-12-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Report Cards
by Jill Schlesinger
04-11-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Fools Rush In
by Jill Schlesinger
04-1--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Debt Threat
by Jill Schlesinger
03-9--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Martha’s Paid Dues
by Jill Schlesinger
03-7--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
What Do They Know
by Jill Schlesinger
03-4--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
A Pox on the S-Ox
by Jill Schlesinger
03-31-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Bottom Line on Ethics
by Jill Schlesinger
03-30-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Six Tax Facts, Part 4
by Jill Schlesinger
03-29-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Yield at these Yields
by Jill Schlesinger
03-24-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Measure at your Pleasure
by Jill Schlesinger
03-23-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Six Tax Facts, Part 3
by Jill Schlesinger
03-22-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
There’s Two Sides of a Divorce
by Jill Schlesinger
03-21-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Transcribe the Jive
by Jill Schlesinger
03-18-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Content to Rent
by Jill Schlesinger
03-17-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Ebbers and Flow of Corporate Greed
by Jill Schlesinger
03-16-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Six Tax Facts, Part 2
by Jill Schlesinger
03-15-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Cash Re-hash
by Jill Schlesinger
03-14-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Pillow Talk
by Jill Schlesinger
03-11-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Pisces Markets
by Jill Schlesinger
03-10-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Year of the Rooster
by Jill Schlesinger
02-9--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Super Bowl Patrol
by Jill Schlesinger
02-8--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Invest Well
by Jill Schlesinger
02-7--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Corporate Evolution
by Jill Schlesinger
02-4--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Fed’s REAL Intent
by Jill Schlesinger
02-3--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
It’s So Bad That He Won’t Believe Us
by Jill Schlesinger
02-28-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Our Oscars
by Jill Schlesinger
02-25-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Tame or Lame
by Jill Schlesinger
02-24-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Q and A
by Jill Schlesinger
02-23-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
New England’s on a Roll
by Jill Schlesinger
02-22-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Groundhog Investing
by Jill Schlesinger
02-2--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Capacity Tenacity
by Jill Schlesinger
02-17-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Budget Busters
by Jill Schlesinger
02-14-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Procrasti-Nation
by Jill Schlesinger
02-11-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Carly’s Crash
by Jill Schlesinger
02-10-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Press vs. Price
by Jill Schlesinger
01-7--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Play Money
by Jill Schlesinger
01-6--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Blame Alan!
by Jill Schlesinger
01-5--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Resolutions We’d Like to See
by Jill Schlesinger
01-4--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Beyond January
by Jill Schlesinger
01-31-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Resolution Solution
by Jill Schlesinger
01-3--2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Fed is Talking…Are you Listening
by Jill Schlesinger
01-25-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
by Jill Schlesinger
01-19-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Happy Fifth!
by Jill Schlesinger
01-18-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Still Ahead
by Jill Schlesinger
01-14-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Take a seat
by Jill Schlesinger
01-13-2005

STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW
Too Rich
by Jill Schlesinger
01-12-2005

StrategicPoint of View
Good Idea, Bad Execution
by Jill Schlesinger

August 1, 2005 - Maybe I am getting impatient, but lately I have lost my cool when I run into some of the more pathetic tactics of commission-based brokers. Today’s topic: Section 529 plans—a seemingly simple concept that brokers are executing poorly.

Named after the section of the federal tax code that governs them, 529 plans are tax-advantaged programs that help families save for college through state-sponsored plans. Money that is invested in a 529 plan grows tax-free, as long as money is withdrawn for qualified expenses. In some states, residents using the state plan may receive additional tax benefits, while other states offer the plan without any sales charges. The bottom line: 529 plans are a terrific vehicle for college savings. So it comes as no surprise that commission-based salespeople would figure out a way to bastardize this excellent solution.

There are two ways that college savings plans can be sold to investors:

"Direct-Sold College Savings Plans" allow you to buy an interest in the college saving plan directly, with no sales person involved and "Broker-Sold College Savings Plans" are plans sole through an investment adviser, brokerage firm, or bank, generally paying a sales load or fee.

Why exactly one might need a broker for a 529 investment is a mystery, since most plans contain only a limited number of investment options. Of greater concern is the fact that some brokers are neglecting to inform investors when other 529 plans may have lower sales loads, lower expenses, or may provide state tax advantages that are not available when invested in the plan being offered. The NASD warns against purchasing 529 plans through commission brokers, saying that it is "concerned that investors may be shortchanging themselves by investing in 529 college savings plans with high fees, plans that currently do not offer them state tax benefits, or both."

As you approach the topic of college savings, it is imperative that you do so armed with information. After he makes the pitch for a particular plan, ask the salesman the following questions:

Am I entitled to any state income tax deduction if I use my own state’s plan?

How much will I pay in fees and expenses, including your commission—and what is your commission?

What is the cost of the cheapest plan available to me?

You can find out more information about various 529 plans at www.collegesavings.org.

The data referred to above was taken from sources believed to be reliable. StrategicPoint Investment Advisors has not verified such data and no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made by StrategicPoint Investment Advisors. For more financial information visit www.strategicpoint.com.

Send a comment


		searchRI
	Arts & Entertainment Food For Thought Homeward Bound Just Business Road Trip This & That
ARCHIVES STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW What we REALLY need to fear by Jill Schlesinger 09-23-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Fall Out by Jill Schlesinger 09-22-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Back to School: Advanced Placement by Jill Schlesinger 09-13-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Inversion Immersion Over by Jill Schlesinger 09-1--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Housing, shopping, eating and drinking by Jill Schlesinger 08-9--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Hindsight Bias by Jill Schlesinger 08-8--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Here Come the Bonds by Jill Schlesinger 08-4--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW 403 B-WARE by Jill Schlesinger 08-31-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Is That Really Saving? by Jill Schlesinger 08-3--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Short Memories by Jill Schlesinger 08-29-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW More Housing Grousing by Jill Schlesinger 08-26-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW LTC TLC by Jill Schlesinger 08-2--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Price Advice by Jill Schlesinger 08-18-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Entertainment vs. Real Life by Jill Schlesinger 08-17-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Lies Unearthed by Jill Schlesinger 08-16-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Death to the Death Tax? by Jill Schlesinger 08-15-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW When will we care? by Jill Schlesinger 08-13-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Lender Bender by Jill Schlesinger 08-11-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW First Down, Federal Reserve by Jill Schlesinger 08-10-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Good Idea, Bad Execution by Jill Schlesinger 08-1--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW June Spending Spree by Jill Schlesinger 07-8--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Grim Reminder by Jill Schlesinger 07-7--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Balancing Act by Jill Schlesinger 07-6--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Good News to Help Your Re-entry by Jill Schlesinger 07-5--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Housing Boom is Dea by Jill Schlesinger 07-28-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Lance, France and Finance by Jill Schlesinger 07-27-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Unethical and Dishonest by Jill Schlesinger 07-26-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Portfolio CSI by Jill Schlesinger 07-22-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW All My Taxes, Continued by Jill Schlesinger 07-21-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Debt Fret by Jill Schlesinger 07-20-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Tempus Fugit (Time Flies) by Jill Schlesinger 07-19-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Gored, Ignored and Bored by Jill Schlesinger 07-18-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Bernie Faces the Music by Jill Schlesinger 07-14-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Above Average Mack by Jill Schlesinger 07-13-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Real Bottom Line by Jill Schlesinger 07-12-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Lessons from London by Jill Schlesinger 07-11-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Independence Day by Jill Schlesinger 07-1--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Worry Less, Do More by Jill Schlesinger 06-9--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Less Wealthy by Jill Schlesinger 06-8--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Boring is Better by Jill Schlesinger 06-7--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW D-Day for Housing? by Jill Schlesinger 06-6--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Miffed Maestro by Jill Schlesinger 06-30-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW No, Non, Nee by Jill Schlesinger 06-3--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Demise of One-stop Shopping by Jill Schlesinger 06-29-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW SPAM JAM by Jill Schlesinger 06-28-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Gentleman’s C by Jill Schlesinger 06-27-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW A Strange Odor in the Air by Jill Schlesinger 06-24-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Clear as Glass-Man by Jill Schlesinger 06-23-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Déjà vu All Over Again by Jill Schlesinger 06-22-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW TomKat by Jill Schlesinger 06-21-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Is I-O for You? by Jill Schlesinger 06-20-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Fed in a Box by Jill Schlesinger 06-2--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Buffett Wrong? by Jill Schlesinger 06-17-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW 10 vs. 2 by Jill Schlesinger 06-16-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW When the Boss Goes, Should You? by Jill Schlesinger 06-14-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Diagnosing the Doctor by Jill Schlesinger 06-13-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW An Old Fashioned Notion by Jill Schlesinger 06-10-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Arthur’s Revenge by Jill Schlesinger 06-1--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Here We Go Again… by Jill Schlesinger 05-9--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW In the Eye of the Beholder by Jill Schlesinger 05-6--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Menu Overload by Jill Schlesinger 05-5--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Fed View: Looking Ahead, Looking Back by Jill Schlesinger 05-4--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Stealth Wealth by Jill Schlesinger 05-31-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Education Gap by Jill Schlesinger 05-3--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Reality Financial Planning by Jill Schlesinger 05-27-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Mixed Emotions by Jill Schlesinger 05-26-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Froth Defined by Jill Schlesinger 05-25-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Men are from Mars… by Jill Schlesinger 05-24-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Dark Side of Investing by Jill Schlesinger 05-23-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Investors Behaving Badly by Jill Schlesinger 05-20-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Spender’s Cocktail by Jill Schlesinger 05-2--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Stag-Party by Jill Schlesinger 05-19-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Tiger Woods and Other Unexpected Events by Jill Schlesinger 05-18-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Attention to Pensions by Jill Schlesinger 05-17-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Single Life by Jill Schlesinger 05-16-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Go Figure by Jill Schlesinger 05-13-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Trimming Down by Jill Schlesinger 05-12-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Miss Hummer’s Summer by Jill Schlesinger 05-11-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Precise About Advice by Jill Schlesinger 05-10-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW One Week to Go by Jill Schlesinger 04-8--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Why They Do What They Do by Jill Schlesinger 04-7--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW VA-VA-VOOM by Jill Schlesinger 04-6--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Six Tax Facts, Part 5 by Jill Schlesinger 04-5--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Safe at the Plate by Jill Schlesinger 04-4--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Slow Down, You Move Too Fast by Jill Schlesinger 04-29-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Guess the Asset by Jill Sclesinger 04-27-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW l 26 2005 - With all the talk about steroids these days, we thought we might borrow Jose Canseco’s best-selling title "Juiced Jill Schlesinger 04-26-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Letter from London by Jill Schlesinger 04-25-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Filling the Bill by Jill Schlesinger 04-22-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Twin Sins by Jill Schlesinger 04-20-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Empty Promises by Jill Schlesinger 04-19-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Before the Brink by Jill Schlesinger 04-18-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Small Sacrifices by Jill Schlesinger 04-15-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Dinner Faux Pas by Jill Schlesinger 04-14-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Anti-Globalization by Jill Schlesinger 04-13-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Six Tax Facts Part 6 by Jill Schlesinger 04-12-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Report Cards by Jill Schlesinger 04-11-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Fools Rush In by Jill Schlesinger 04-1--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Debt Threat by Jill Schlesinger 03-9--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Martha’s Paid Dues by Jill Schlesinger 03-7--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW What Do They Know by Jill Schlesinger 03-4--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW A Pox on the S-Ox by Jill Schlesinger 03-31-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Bottom Line on Ethics by Jill Schlesinger 03-30-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Six Tax Facts, Part 4 by Jill Schlesinger 03-29-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Yield at these Yields by Jill Schlesinger 03-24-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Measure at your Pleasure by Jill Schlesinger 03-23-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Six Tax Facts, Part 3 by Jill Schlesinger 03-22-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW There’s Two Sides of a Divorce by Jill Schlesinger 03-21-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Transcribe the Jive by Jill Schlesinger 03-18-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Content to Rent by Jill Schlesinger 03-17-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Ebbers and Flow of Corporate Greed by Jill Schlesinger 03-16-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Six Tax Facts, Part 2 by Jill Schlesinger 03-15-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Cash Re-hash by Jill Schlesinger 03-14-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Pillow Talk by Jill Schlesinger 03-11-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Pisces Markets by Jill Schlesinger 03-10-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Year of the Rooster by Jill Schlesinger 02-9--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Super Bowl Patrol by Jill Schlesinger 02-8--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Invest Well by Jill Schlesinger 02-7--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Corporate Evolution by Jill Schlesinger 02-4--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Fed’s REAL Intent by Jill Schlesinger 02-3--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW It’s So Bad That He Won’t Believe Us by Jill Schlesinger 02-28-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Our Oscars by Jill Schlesinger 02-25-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Tame or Lame by Jill Schlesinger 02-24-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Q and A by Jill Schlesinger 02-23-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW New England’s on a Roll by Jill Schlesinger 02-22-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Groundhog Investing by Jill Schlesinger 02-2--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Capacity Tenacity by Jill Schlesinger 02-17-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Budget Busters by Jill Schlesinger 02-14-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Procrasti-Nation by Jill Schlesinger 02-11-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Carly’s Crash by Jill Schlesinger 02-10-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Press vs. Price by Jill Schlesinger 01-7--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Play Money by Jill Schlesinger 01-6--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Blame Alan! by Jill Schlesinger 01-5--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Resolutions We’d Like to See by Jill Schlesinger 01-4--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Beyond January by Jill Schlesinger 01-31-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Resolution Solution by Jill Schlesinger 01-3--2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Fed is Talking…Are you Listening by Jill Schlesinger 01-25-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW The Gift that Keeps on Giving by Jill Schlesinger 01-19-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Happy Fifth! by Jill Schlesinger 01-18-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Still Ahead by Jill Schlesinger 01-14-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Take a seat by Jill Schlesinger 01-13-2005 STRATEGICPOINT OF VIEW Too Rich by Jill Schlesinger 01-12-2005 FIND A HOME FIND A MOVIE MY COMMUNITY LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE TRAVEL TABLE OF CONTENTS	StrategicPoint of View Good Idea, Bad Execution by Jill Schlesinger August 1, 2005 - Maybe I am getting impatient, but lately I have lost my cool when I run into some of the more pathetic tactics of commission-based brokers. Today’s topic: Section 529 plans—a seemingly simple concept that brokers are executing poorly. Named after the section of the federal tax code that governs them, 529 plans are tax-advantaged programs that help families save for college through state-sponsored plans. Money that is invested in a 529 plan grows tax-free, as long as money is withdrawn for qualified expenses. In some states, residents using the state plan may receive additional tax benefits, while other states offer the plan without any sales charges. The bottom line: 529 plans are a terrific vehicle for college savings. So it comes as no surprise that commission-based salespeople would figure out a way to bastardize this excellent solution. There are two ways that college savings plans can be sold to investors: "Direct-Sold College Savings Plans" allow you to buy an interest in the college saving plan directly, with no sales person involved and "Broker-Sold College Savings Plans" are plans sole through an investment adviser, brokerage firm, or bank, generally paying a sales load or fee. Why exactly one might need a broker for a 529 investment is a mystery, since most plans contain only a limited number of investment options. Of greater concern is the fact that some brokers are neglecting to inform investors when other 529 plans may have lower sales loads, lower expenses, or may provide state tax advantages that are not available when invested in the plan being offered. The NASD warns against purchasing 529 plans through commission brokers, saying that it is "concerned that investors may be shortchanging themselves by investing in 529 college savings plans with high fees, plans that currently do not offer them state tax benefits, or both." As you approach the topic of college savings, it is imperative that you do so armed with information. After he makes the pitch for a particular plan, ask the salesman the following questions: Am I entitled to any state income tax deduction if I use my own state’s plan? How much will I pay in fees and expenses, including your commission—and what is your commission? What is the cost of the cheapest plan available to me? You can find out more information about various 529 plans at www.collegesavings.org. The data referred to above was taken from sources believed to be reliable. StrategicPoint Investment Advisors has not verified such data and no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made by StrategicPoint Investment Advisors. For more financial information visit www.strategicpoint.com. Send a comment		Advanced Voice Communications, Inc. The Travel Connection Cool Air Creations Cardi's Furniture Super Stores Mardi Gras Norwood Motor Group Providence Performing Arts Center RI Living Rhode Island Lottery Station Family Fund Strategic Point Trinity Repertory Theatre Toray Plastics Warwick Mall