Saving smarter for college
From Insights Now by Dr. David Kelly and Gabriela Santos, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
May 29, 2026 · 20 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the challenges of saving for college amidst rising costs and offers strategic investment insights for families and advisors.
College costs have soared well beyond inflation, making education planning a critical challenge for families and advisors. With public and private tuition rising faster than household incomes, the conversation has shifted from simply saving to strategically investing for education. Choosing the right vehicle—like a 529 plan—can make a meaningful difference, offering tax-deferred growth, tax-free withdrawals, and state-level benefits. This episode examines common misconceptions, the impact of procrastination and the realities of scholarships to provide a practical lens for advisors and parents seeking clarity in a changing environment. In this episode, join Gabriela Santos, Chief Market Strategist for the Americas, and Tricia Scarlata, Head of Education Savings at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, as they share actionable perspectives and personal experiences on building smarter education savings plans. Watch the video version on YouTube. Subscribe to the Notes on the Week Ahead podcast for more insights from Dr. David Kelly: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
People in this episode
Host: Gabriela Santos
Guest: Tricia Scarlata
Topics covered
- college savings
- education planning
- 529 plans
- investment strategies
- financial advice
- scholarships
Keywords
- college costs
- education savings
- 529 plan
- tax benefits
- financial planning
- investment vehicles
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Books & works: Notes on the Week Ahead
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