Every common objection to 529 plans holds up under scrutiny: the lock-up, the mediocre investments, the uncertain payoff. Here's why savvy investors fund them anyway, and how new rules like Roth rollovers make the trade-off worth it. 

What do a war in the Middle East, a semiconductor boom, and a more tight-lipped Federal Reserve have in common? Together, they're the three forces behind nearly every bout of market volatility we've seen this year.

A 529 plan is great, but for families with significant wealth and multiple kids or grandkids, it's not the whole strategy. Here are four powerful tools, from direct tuition payments to dynasty trusts, that work above and around it.

Sending a kid to college? Before you focus solely on dorm supplies, consider two often-overlooked documents: a Medical and Financial Power of Attorney. Once your child turns 18, these simple forms ensure you can still help when it truly matters.

Confidence in both the economy and the markets continued to build as uncertainty gave way to stronger fundamentals and renewed optimism.