S3E23 – Special Guest Diane Brewer – Director of MET

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Maximizing College Savings with Diane Brewer of Michigan Education Trust

Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Diane Brewer, the Executive Director of the Michigan Education Trust (MET), to discuss the ins and outs of Michigan’s prepaid 529 college savings plan. Diane shares her invaluable insights from over two decades of experience helping families prepare for the financial challenges of higher education. From understanding the benefits of MET and MESP to exploring how these plans can work together, this episode is packed with practical advice for parents, grandparents, and students alike.

About Diane Brewer

Executive Director, Michigan Education Trust

With over 20 years of dedicated service, Diane Brewer has been pivotal in guiding Michigan families through the complexities of college savings. Starting as a presenter and outreach specialist, Diane has helped countless parents and grandparents secure a brighter future for their students with minimal student debt.

Key Points and Highlights

• Understanding MET and MESP:
  • MET is specific to tuition, providing a prepaid option for college tuition.
  • MESP is broader, covering tuition, room and board, books, lab fees, and other college-related expenses.
  • In an ideal scenario, a student would benefit from both MET for tuition and MESP for additional costs.
• Listen to Diane explain the tax advantages of using Michigan’s 529 plans.
• Scholarship Exceptions:
  • MET funds can be used for purposes other than tuition in the case of a scholarship.
• Flexibility and Choice:
  • Families have the freedom to choose between MET and MESP based on their budget and preferences.
  • Both MET and MESP offer the same tax benefits, making them valuable tools for college savings.
• Resources and Support:
  • Access logos and information for MET, MESP, and MAP on their respective websites.
  • Schedule one-on-one meetings with MET and MESP staff for personalized guidance.
  • Most processes can be completed online for convenience.
• Diane emphasizes the ease of accessing these resources and the importance of staying informed.

Call-to-Action

Ready to take the next step in securing your child’s educational future? Visit the Michigan Education Trust website to learn more about MET, MESP, and MAP. Book a one-on-one meeting with our experts and get started on your college savings journey today!

Bookmark the MET and MESP websites to stay up-to-date with the latest resources and updates.

Connect with Us

• Follow us on Facebook and YouTube for the latest updates.
• Join our community of empowered parents and students navigating the path to college savings together.

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Stay tuned for more dynamic and empowering episodes that make navigating the complexities of college savings a breeze!