Cash & Coffee | Smart Ways to Save for Your Child’s College | 529 vs ESA

In this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Kaitlyn Blum and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes talk about smart ways to save for a child’s or loved one’s college education. From Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to 529 Plans, they break down what each option offers, who qualifies, and how to get started.Kayla shares practical advice on why it’s important to focus on your own financial foundation first, including building an emergency fund and investing in your retirement before setting up an education fund. The episode also covers the flexibility of these plans, which can be used not only for college but also for trade schools, community colleges, and even K–12 tuition.Grab your coffee and join Kaitlyn and Kayla as they make financial planning easy to understand and achievable for everyone.☕ Topics Covered:Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) vs. 529 PlansTax advantages of education savingsHow and when to start saving for educationUsing funds for trade schools, community colleges, and moreWhy retirement should come before college savings👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from Rock Falls and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:00:25 – Introducing Cassie Wells & Helping Hands Food Pantry00:46 – Mission: Serving with dignity & sharing God’s love01:13 – Growth in community need: doubling guests in months01:32 – How the pantry works: self-shop model02:34 – Reducing waste & donating leftovers03:13 – Providing dignity through choice & snacks for kids03:59 – Challenges: meat supply & paper products05:08 – How the community can support Helping Hands05:27 – Location & pantry details05:48 – Upcoming rib dinner fundraiser06:47 – Other ways to donate & support07:20 – Understanding food insecurity08:04 – Fun question: Pantry items on a deserted island08:40 – Urgent needs09:23 – New projects10:10 – Future fundraisersFollow us on all social media platforms below:https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepresshttps://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/https://rumble.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepresshttps://x.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress#college savings, #529 plan, #education savings account, #ESA, #investing for education, #financial planning, #saving for college, #retirement first, #money tips, #Cash and Coffee, #personal finance, #college fund, #smart investing, #family savings