re: Fee Based Financial Planners

Given where you are located lsuin09 I would recommend sitting down with someone and having all your questions answered. Given tax brackets will continue to skyrocket and cap. gains/div. tax increasing in near future utilizing tax deferral startegies makes a ton of sense. Just depends on how much income you earn and what is best fit for your short term - long term goals.

529 Plan is a great idea and can be used essentially for any education expense and allows tax free distribution if used for some form of qualified education expense.