Education Funding

    A college education opens doors to opportunity, earning power, and personal growth. But with rising costs, planning ahead is more important than ever. Whether your child is in diapers or already dreaming of dorm life, now is the time to build a smart college savings strategy.

    AdobeStock_440541631_Preview 1-Dec-23-2025-11-19-19-7833-AM

    College Funding

    College may be one of the biggest expenses your family will face—second only to buying a home. According to the College Board:
    Year 4-Year Public 4-Year Private
    2024-2025
    		 $29,910 $62,990
    2029-2030
    		 $38,174 $80,393
    2032-2033
    		 $44,191 $93,065

    College Funding

    College may be one of the biggest expenses your family will face—second only to buying a home. According to the College Board:
    Year 4-Year Public 4-Year Private
    2024-2025
    		 $29,910 $62,990
    2029-2030
    		 $38,174 $80,393
    2032-2033
    		 $44,191 $93,065
    Tip:
    You don’t need to save 100% of the cost. Many families aim for 50% and cover the rest with financial aid, income, or loans—just like a down payment on a home.

    How Much Can You Save?

    Even modest monthly contributions can grow significantly over time: 

    Monthly Investment 5 Years 10 Years 15 Years
    $100
    		 $6,977 $16,388 $29,082
    $300
    		 $20,931 $49,164 $87,246
    $500
    		 $34,885 $81,940 $145,409
    Note: Average 6.17% annual return.

    Title Here

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Diam quisque sodales in aliquet etiam diam.

    Contact Us

     

    Benefits of IRAs

    • Retirement Savings Growth
    • Retirement Savings Growth
    • Retirement Savings Growth
    • Retirement Savings Growth

    Title Here

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Diam quisque sodales in aliquet etiam diam.

    Contact Us

     

     

    Subtract

    202
    Community Projects

    Icon

    $1M
    In Donations to our Community

    Group 163

    17K+
    Hours Served in our Community

    Title

    Value Highlight

    Sample Text 

    Value Highlight

    Sample Text

    Value Highlight

    Sample Text

    • Title

      Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque maximus ut ligula eu luctus. Maecenas dignissim vulputate elit eu tristique. Sed tincidunt porttitor mauris et cursus.

      Learn more

    • Title

      Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque maximus ut ligula eu luctus. Maecenas dignissim vulputate elit eu tristique. Sed tincidunt porttitor mauris et cursus.

      Learn more

    Title Here

    Title Here

    Sub Text

    • Sub Text
    • Sub Text 
    Title Here

    Sub Text

    • Sub Text
    • Sub Text 
    Reduce Risk
    • Minimize the amount of checks you're writing and mailing.
    • Don't leave checks in your mailbox awaiting pickup overnight, use a drop box if available.
    • Switch to ACH, Card, and other electronic payments for bills and direct deposits.
    • Move your payables to a separate checking account to protect your funds.
    • Reconcile your accounts daily, at least looking at the checks and specifically the payee to make sure they are valid.

    Required Documents

    TEST sub text 

    Three Years of Tax Returns.
    (Personal & Business)
    Balance Sheet
    (Personal & Business)
    Machinery Info
    Drivers License
    Sales Contracts
    Crop Projections

    Smart Ways to Save

    Explore tax-advantaged strategies to maximize your savings:

    529 Plans
    • Tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses
    • High contribution limits (up to $350,000+)
    • Use for college, K–12 tuition, and more
    Coverdell ESA
    • Contribute up to $2,000/year
    • Tax-free growth for K–12 and college expenses
    • Income limits apply
    Custodial Accounts (UTMA/UGMA)
    • Assets held in your child’s name
    • Irrevocable gifts with tax advantages
    • Control transfers at age 18 or 21
    Roth IRA
    • Withdraw contributions anytime, tax-free
    • Earnings can be used for college without penalty (restrictions apply)
    • Dual-purpose: retirement + education

    Financial Aid: What to Know

    Most families rely on some form of aid—grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study. Aid is based on:

    • Financial need (based on income)
    • Merit (academic or extracurricular achievement)
    Use each college’s Net Price Calculator to estimate your child’s eligibility. And remember: the more you save now, the less debt your family may need to take on later.

     

    Contact Us

    Title Text

    Sample Copy

    Business Checking Commercial Checking
    Comparison topic $50 $50
    Comparison topic $50 $50
    Comparison topic $50 $50

    Title Here

    Sub Text

     

    Loan Amount: The maximum loan amount is $806,500.

    Loan Amount: The maximum loan amount is $806,500.

    Title Here

    Sub copy 

    Contact Us

    Green BG Test
    Name Title
    phone linked
    email linked

    Looking for More Ways to Save?

    Green BG Test

     Title Text

    Sub Text. 

    Green BG Test

     Title Text

    Sub Text. 

    Green BG Test

     Title Text

    Sub Text. 

     

    celero

     

    celero

     

    celero

     

     

     

    celero

     

    celero

     

    celero

     

     

    Frequently asked questions

    Not Sure Where to Start?

    Call Us

    Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:00pm 
     
    Message Us

    Send our customer service team a message and we will get back to you.
    Visit Us

    Come by a local FSFM location to speak with us in person.
    Stay Connected

    © 2025 FSCB - All rights reserved Bank NMLS 412605 Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. First State Community Bank is not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Investment products and services are offered by First State Financial Management through the registered broker-dealer NBC Securities. Any products and services offered by FSCB are separate and distinct from those offered through NBC Securities.

    Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC

    FDIC-Insured - Backed by full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

    © 2025 FSFM - All rights reserved Securities and advisory services offered through NBC Securities, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. FSFM is a subsidiary of First State Community Bank. The FSFM name is used by certain employees of First State Community Bank who offer securities, advisory and insurance products and services through NBC, Securities, Inc. NBC Securities, Inc., is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Not Bank Guarantee ▪ May Lose value ▪ Not a Bank Deposit ▪ Not insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency NBC Securities, Inc., Client Relationship Summary

    BrokerCheck

    Copyright © 2025 First State Insurance Agency, Inc First State Insurance Agency is an affiliate of First State Community Bank due to common ownership. Not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not insured by any government agency, not bank guaranteed and may decrease in value.

    Independent Insurance Agent Trusted Choice