Sarah Around the World

"Nothing cool is ever going to happen if you don't take a few risks, and a few losses."

This is what I said to myself after a series of small but frustrating, ego-bruising mistakes.

I'd been hustled out of $25 at the airport, been thoroughly badgered by aggressive salesmen in the art market, struggled to figure out the local currency, and lost my card in the hotel ATM. I was feeling foolish, tired, and frustrated.

I knew going to Mozambique alone was a bold move. I did not anticipate how very different everything would be. It was disorienting. (I later learned that "Mozambique is not Africa for beginners.")

Living a rich full life means taking risks. We try to mitigate what we can but at some point, a leap must be taken and losses can't always be avoided.

If you are new in your investing journey, you may have felt like I did sitting in my hotel room. If you get there, let me help you regroup and plan for success. Because nothing cool is ever going to happen if you don't take a risk.

And yes, some cool stuff did happen...

Wealth Management 101

What to do With That Old 529 Plan

Since their establishment in 1996, Section 529 Plans have become a highly popular college savings vehicle. With their offer of tax-free distributions for Qualified Higher Education Expenses these plans can help parents and grandparents tackle the formidable task of saving for the ever-rising cost of college.

But it’s difficult to predict how much college will cost and parents sometimes end up with balances remaining in Section 529 plans after a child’s education is complete.

What now?

In general, money taken out of a 529 Plan that isn’t used for Qualified Higher Education Expenses will be subject to taxes and penalties.

But you’ve got options.

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