Give the Gift of Education this Holiday Season

For the first time in a long time, I’m completely done with my holiday shopping for the kids 10 days before Christmas.  For those of you early birds who finished your Christmas shopping in July, this probably sounds like I’m late to the party, but for me this is early…very early.  But then again, I didn’t have much to buy them this year.  Actually, if I’m being totally honest, the very idea of the holidays makes me internally groan a bit because my kids already have so much.  So many toys.  So many clothes.  So many things that we really didn’t need to begin with, yet found their way into our house on the premise of holidays past.  So this year, I kept my shopping to a minimum and when people ask what the kids need, I’m trying to steer them in a different direction – education!

If that sounds strange, let me assure you that the holidays are a great time to start saving for your child’s future.  In fact, a recent survey of grandparents found that, if asked, they’d gladly contribute to a college savings plan in place of other gifts.  That’s one less toy/outfit that you child really doesn’t need, and money stashed away in a safe account for their future.  Plus, Florida Prepaid gets you locked in to today’s prices, which will save a bundle.  Plans include:

1 Year Florida University Plan – This is the newest Florida Prepaid Plan which allows you to purchase one year, or 30 credit hours, at a time according to your budget and timeline.  There’s no pressure to pay for all 4 years at once with this plan and it allows for multiple family members to buy a plan for the same child.

2 Year Florida College Plan – Purchasing this plan gives your child an advantage over those with only a high school diploma.  Don’t let the name fool you, just like all the Florida Prepaid plans, every cent of value of this plan can be applied at any university or college nationwide and is guaranteed by the State of Florida.

4 Year Florida College Plan – The more practical and affordable path to a bachelor’s degree (as opposed to the 4 year Florida University Plan), this plan will allow your child to get a 4 year education at any of Florida’s 28 colleges.  With programs including teaching and nursing, and new programs being added all the time, the sky is the limit!

2 + 2 Florida College Plan – This plan allows you to take advantage of the 28 affordably priced Florida colleges before finishing at one of Florida’s 12 universities.  Best of all, students who obtain their associate’s degree at the Florida college is guaranteed admission to a Florida university.

4 Florida University Plan – This option allows your child to start and finish at one of Florida’s 12 state universities or apply the prepaid amount to be applied to other colleges and universities nationwide.  In the event your child wants to attend a Florida college for the first 2 years (which are typically less expensive), the unused money can be applied to a post-graduate degree or refunded.

This year, skip those extra toys and clothes and invest that money where it really counts – in your child’s future.  And don’t forget about Florida Prepaid and their variety of plans when you get an inquiry from family members about what the kids need for the holidays.  All it takes is filling out a quick application on the Florida Prepaid website to get started.  And for those starting today I have an early gift for you…  Use the code BLOG1617 for 50% off the Florida Prepaid application fee!  That’s $25 off!  But hurry, Florida Prepaid’s open enrollment ends February 28, 2017!

Happy holidays!