How much should parents actually save for college? Is a 529 always the smartest place to put the money? And in a world being reshaped by artificial intelligence, how should families think about what a degree is actually worth? In this episode of Money Well Studio, Jennifer Lowry and Julie Black are joined by Javid Jamae, entrepreneur, software engineer, growth engineering leader, and father of five for a wide-ranging conversation about the economics of college and the choices families face long before the first tuition bill arrives. Javid shares how he financed his own education through student loans, internships, co-ops, work, and a creative townhouse rental arrangement, and why he is approaching college funding differently with his own children. The conversation moves from 529 plans and taxable investment accounts to college budgets, career experience, generational wealth, and the increasingly difficult question of how much families should invest in a traditional four-year degree when technology is changing the labor market so quickly. There is no single formula for paying for college. But there are a lot of trade-offs worth understanding before deciding where to put the money. Jennifer, Julie, and Javid discuss: The 529 question. 529 plans offer significant tax advantages when funds are used for qualified education expenses, but flexibility, investment options, timing, and individual family circumstances can affect whether they are the preferred savings vehicle. Why starting age matters. Age-based 529 portfolios generally become more conservative as a beneficiary approaches college. That can help protect money needed soon, but families beginning to save later may have less time to benefit from long-term equity growth. 529s versus taxable investment accounts. A regular brokerage account lacks the education-specific tax benefits of a 529 but generally offers greater flexibility in how and when the money can ultimately be used. Setting a college budget instead of writing a blank check. Some families choose to establish a defined amount they are willing to contribute and allow the student to weigh choices involving school, housing, scholarships, loans, and work within that framework. Generational wealth and financial independence. Helping children financially can expand their opportunities. The harder question is how to provide meaningful support while still giving them ownership over their choices, careers, and financial lives. Javid Jamae joins Money Well Studio to bring both a personal and professional perspective to the college conversation. Javid is an entrepreneur, software engineer, and growth engineering leader whose work focuses on experimentation, product growth, and helping companies make better decisions with data. His career has included leadership work in software and growth engineering, and his perspective on technology gives the conversation an especially relevant angle as families try to understand how AI and a changing labor market may affect the future value of different degrees, skills, and career paths. A huge thank-you to Javid Jamae for joining us and sharing such a candid perspective on college, money, work, parenting, technology, and what it means to prepare kids for an economy that may look very different from the one their parents entered. Learn more about Javid and his work at javidjamae.com. Keywords College funding, college savings, 529 plans, paying for college, cost of college, college ROI, student loans, taxable brokerage accounts, financial aid, co-op programs, internships, higher education, generational wealth, investing for children, parenting and money, financial planning, financial literacy, artificial intelligence, AI and careers, future of work, career planning, family finance
