Jonathan Sparling | Source | Director at CollegeWell

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Jonathan Sparling

Director at CollegeWell
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Jonathan Sparling is a Director at CollegeWell, the sponsor of the Private College 529 plan, that provides comprehensive resources for families saving for college. Jonathan has over 10 years of experience providing financial literacy to families. He has worked for Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, the national non-profit organization American Student Assistance, and before coming to CollegeWell, he served as associate director at the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA). Jonathan holds the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) designation through the Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education (AFCPE) and the Certified College Financial Consultant (CCFC) designation through the American Institute of Certified College Financial Consultants (AICCFC).

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  • Empowering Teens: Financial Literacy for a Secure Future
    Jonathan stresses the need for financial talks with teens amid rising costs. He advises, "Bring your child into money conversations" and suggests allowances to teach budgeting. Sparling highlights balancing freedom and boundaries, allowing teens to learn from mistakes while guiding them through major decisions like college expenses.
  • Creative College Savings: Beyond the 529 Plan
    Jonathan suggests exploring high-yield savings accounts and Series I bonds as alternatives to traditional 529 plans. He advises grandparents to utilize 529 plans to avoid estate taxes and recommends adults returning to school seek scholarships and employer tuition assistance. For families, starting early and setting realistic goals are key to balancing college savings with other financial priorities.
  • Retirees: Achieve Financial Security with 529 Plans
    Jonathan suggests retirees consider a 529 plan for financial security. "Assets in a 529 plan are removed from the account owner's estate," potentially reducing estate taxes. Retirees maintain control over funds, which can be used for education expenses, apprenticeship programs, and student loan repayment, providing a tax-efficient way to support future generations.