529

We finally signed Maggie up for her 529 fund. She has had a savings account since she has been five days old. Really ever since her baby shower we have been putting any cash gifts or checks in this account including: her baptism, birthday and Christmas-- diligently.
We will continue to do this. The 529 was the best bet seeing how if Maggie does get the full basketball scholarship we can transfer it to anyone for educational purposes- including cousins, family members, God Sons/God Daughters. We plan to put a little each month into her 529. Some friends of mine have relatives that instead of giving toys/clothes during holidays/birthday, they contribute to this type of college fund. Although this is still an investment fund and can hopefully increase as the stock market increases, it can also go down. Maggie is diversified and hopefully with her savings account and now this fund, she will have a little nest egg, just in case she doesn't get that full ride to UCONN or TENNESSEE.

In retrospect, I never grew up thinking or anticipating I had a college nest egg waiting for me. I did get scholarships both academic and athletic. My parents were so generous in helping with my room/board at HCC and Flagler. I mean the fed me while I lived at home while I drove back and forth to practice and school for the first two years. And flipped the condo that I lived in at Flagler. But they also magically taught me to work and save all through high school and college. I spent many many nights babysitting and would deposit all of those funds into savings and cds. I think I had my first CD at age 15-- back when they were getting 6 percent interest. They taught me to work hard and never feel entitled to anything. I worked very hard for every grade I received. I worked even harder for the lack of talent that I was born with and utilized my size to leverage the scholarships. My hope is that I can instill that same work ethic, the same drive and the same discipline. My hope is that she will save her pennies and make smart decisions. I also want her to go for her dreams and be anything she wants to be.

Mike to this day is so appreciative for his Florida Pre-Paid account that his parents did for him. He knew for years that he wanted to go to FSU and finished debt free. He works in a field that he graduated with and it truly is perfect for him- Information Technology. His parents taught him to finish what he starts and to have patience and kindness-- two things that come in so handy for his work in customer service support. More qualities that I want to pass on to Maggie.

Our hope is whatever we can save for her now will give her a boost in the future, not a magic carpet.