College Planning Services for Families Who Want to Stay Ahead
Smart Strategies to Fund Education Without Sacrificing Your Future
College costs keep rising—and for many families, that creates real tension between saving for education and staying on track for retirement. At Benefit Consultant Inc, we help clients throughout Los Angeles, Southern California, and beyond create flexible, tax-efficient plans to fund higher education without derailing long-term financial goals. Whether you’re starting early or playing catch-up, we’ll help you make the most of your options and avoid the common pitfalls that catch families off guard.
What We Do
Helping You Plan Confidently from Kindergarten to College
Every family has different needs and priorities when it comes to saving for education. We take the time to understand your full financial picture, then recommend tools and strategies that support both college funding and broader wealth goals—so your plan works now and later.
529 College Savings Plans
Tax-advantaged savings accounts specifically designed for education. We help you choose the right plan, understand state benefits, and structure contributions to grow with your child.
Life Insurance for College Planning
Permanent life insurance can accumulate cash value that can be accessed later to help pay for college expenses—while still providing protection for your family.
Custodial Accounts (UGMA/UTMA)
We help you evaluate whether custodial accounts make sense based on your child’s financial aid profile, tax exposure, and overall education planning strategy.
Education Funding Gap Analysis
Not sure how much to save or whether you’re on track? We’ll project estimated college costs and create a plan to cover the difference with savings, investments, and timing strategies.
Balancing College & Retirement Savings
We help families avoid the common mistake of prioritizing college savings at the expense of retirement. Our goal is to create a balanced, sustainable plan that supports both.
College Planning Questions from Real Families
How much should I be saving for college each month?
It depends on your child’s age, your goals (public vs. private school), and how much of the cost you want to cover. We’ll help you set a monthly target that fits your budget and timeline.
Are 529 plans really the best way to save?
They’re a great option for many families thanks to tax advantages and flexibility. But they’re not the only solution—we compare all your choices to find what fits best.
Can life insurance really be used for college planning?
Yes. Certain life insurance policies build cash value over time, which you can access for college without affecting financial aid calculations. It’s a helpful option for families who also want long-term protection.
What if my child gets a scholarship or doesn’t go to college?
We can set up flexible plans that do not have to only be used on one specific thing such as college. Some plans now also allow limited rollovers to Roth IRAs. We’ll walk you through your options so your savings are never wasted.
Can I still save for college if my child is already in high school?
Absolutely. Even a few years of focused saving can make a difference—and we can help you create a short-term strategy that covers as much as possible without draining other assets.