It doesn’t take a degree in finance to see the cost of college continues to rise.
In its 2017 report, the College Board showed that public four-year institutions raised prices an average of 3.2% annually between the 2007-08 and 2017-18 school years. Put another way, a $5,000 education in 2007-08 would cost $6,851 in 2017-18.
For a few families, the lion’s share of education costs falls on parents and, in some cases, on grandparents. For our W.R. Grace clients who are parents you may already know, generally, the majority of families rely on a combination of scholarships, grants, financial aid, part-time jobs, and parent support to help pay the cost.
For W.R. Grace employees who have children approaching college age, a good first step is estimating the potential costs. The accompanying worksheet can help you get a better idea about the cost of a four-year college.
For W.R. Grace employees who already put money away for college, the worksheet will take that amount into consideration. For W.R. Grace employees who haven’t, it’s never too late to start.
Resources
There are a number of resources that can help individuals prepare for college. The U.S. government distributes certain information on colleges and costs. Here are two sites for these W.R. Grace employees to consider reviewing:
www.studentaid.ed.gov
The government’s college and financial aid portal.
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www.collegeboard.org
The group that administers the SAT test.
Estimating the Cost of College
What is the 401(k) plan offered by W.R. Grace?
The 401(k) plan offered by W.R. Grace is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can I enroll in the W.R. Grace 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the W.R. Grace 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form available through the HR department or the company’s benefits portal.
Does W.R. Grace match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, W.R. Grace offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the W.R. Grace 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the W.R. Grace 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.
Can I change my contribution rate to the W.R. Grace 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the W.R. Grace 401(k) plan at any time, subject to certain restrictions.
What investment options are available in the W.R. Grace 401(k) plan?
The W.R. Grace 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
When can I start withdrawing funds from my W.R. Grace 401(k) plan?
Employees can start withdrawing funds from their W.R. Grace 401(k) plan upon reaching age 59½ or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship.
Are loans available through the W.R. Grace 401(k) plan?
Yes, W.R. Grace allows participants to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What happens to my W.R. Grace 401(k) plan if I leave the company?
If you leave W.R. Grace, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the W.R. Grace plan if eligible.
How often can I make changes to my W.R. Grace 401(k) investment allocations?
Employees can typically make changes to their investment allocations in the W.R. Grace 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.