Summer is upon us, and it’s a great time to make smart decisions like how much sunscreen to use and putting plans in place that will pay off when the season ends. Whether you're boosting college savings, booking a getaway, or maximizing your credit card rewards, a little planning goes a long way.
As we head into the summer months, our team has compiled a practical guide to smart summer strategies.

🎓 529 Plan Check-Up: Growing Your College Fund Wisely
If you're saving for education — your child’s, grandchild’s, or your own — a 529 plan is one of the best tools available. These tax-advantaged accounts help your money grow more efficiently over time.
Make the Most of Your 529 Plan

Start Early Each Year.The sooner you contribute, the longer your money can grow tax-free. Even a few extra months of compounding can make a difference over time. If college is part of your plan, starting now puts time on your side.
Think About the 5-Year Gift Rule. In 2025, you can give up to $19,000 per child without gift tax. But here’s a smart move: the IRS lets you “superfund” a 529 plan with up to five years’ worth of gifts at once — $95,000 from one person, or $190,000 from a couple. It's a great way to make a big impact early, especially for younger kids.
Dial Back Risk as College Approaches. When college is a few years away, it’s wise to shift investments to something more stable. Many 529 plans do this for you automatically (with target date funds), but if you’re managing it yourself, consider easing out of stocks and into bonds or cash to protect what you’ve built.
Don’t Miss State Tax Breaks. Some states offer a tax deduction or credit just for contributing to a 529. It’s worth checking because the rules vary, and it might change how you set up accounts for multiple kids. Not sure? Ask us or your tax advisor to help you take full advantage.

✈️ Smart Summer Travel Tips: Planning with Purpose
Traveling during the summer can be exciting — but it often comes with high costs and unexpected chaos. With a little planning, you can mitigate some of the stress and expense. Below are a few of our favorite strategies that can make your trip smoother and more budget friendly:

Book Flights at the Right Time

Best deals are often released midweek (Tues/Wed).
Book domestic flights 3–6 weeks in advance for best pricing.
If you’re considering a big trip using airline award points, check your airline’s lead time on award flight scheduling (e.g. United Airlines is 48 weeks and one day) so you can get the best award tickets as soon as they’re available.

Travel on Off-Peak Days

Fly on Tuesdays or Saturdays for cheaper fares and fewer crowds.

Understand Travel Insurance

Covers cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
Especially useful for international or expensive trips.

Check Credit Card Travel Protections

Some cards offer trip delay reimbursement, rental car coverage, and lost baggage help.
Review your benefits before buying extra insurance.

Use Fare Tracking Tools

Tools like Google Flights, Hopper, and Skyscanner track price drops.
Use trends and alerts to book at the right time.

💳 Credit Card Recommendations for Summer 2025: Earn While You Spend

Used wisely, credit cards can offer more than just convenience — they can earn you significant rewards, protect your purchases, and support your travel plans.
Here are a few strong choices based on current offers:

Important Reminder: No matter how attractive a card’s rewards may seem, always pay off your balance in full each month. Credit card interest rates are typically much higher than the value of the rewards (usually about 1 to 1.5 cents), so carrying a balance can cancel out your benefits quickly.

🌟 Final Thoughts
If you want to explore how 529 savings and travel plans fit into your financial wellness, reach out to the team. We welcome the continued opportunity to help you achieve your goals (especially when they result in you sharing your travel stories)!

Wishing you sunshine & happy trails!