Planning for college? In this episode of How We're Doing It, first-gen parents Tijani and Yazmin break down 529 plans, explaining tax benefits, savings options, and strategies for maximizing education funds. Get clear, practical advice to secure your child’s future!

Previous Question: Can U.S territories set up a 529 Plan?

Answer: Yes. All 50 States and U.S territories are eligible.

Chapter

(00:00) Yasmin: Conversations about 529 plans are important now

(01:24) Today's conversation is about 529 plans. Like the college saving plans

(07:35) Every state has a different 529 plan

(08:47) There are two main types of 529 plans: education savings and prepaid tuition plans

(12:52) Section 529 plans are sponsored and run by all 50 states including the District of Columbia

(14:47) With the 529 plan, you can put money towards your child's retirement

(17:06) 529 plan grows tax deferred until student is in college or vocational school

(19:00) There is a limit that people can gift you towards the 529

(20:34) So let me talk about some benefits and potential disadvantages of 529s

(24:01) So let me talk about some of the disadvantages of a 529 real quick

(25:45) The 529 plans have specific transferable transfer rules

(30:28) 529 is pretty extensive and it covers a lot of, uh, those things

(32:03) How much are you putting towards your 529 account and how often

(33:41) Does having a 529 impact your financial eligibility when going to college

(37:39) With 529, you can do what they call target funds or target date investment

(40:16) Creating a five to nine gives you a tax advantage, which we already talked about

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In this episode, Tijani and Yazmin are joined by Yazmin's sister, Yeni, an army sergeant, to explore the generational differences between Millennials and Gen Z. Together, they dive into how technology shapes the younger generation’s approach to convenience, responsibility, and family dynamics, especially in immigrant households. They share personal stories about supporting their parents, balancing career aspirations influenced by social media, and managing relationships in a fast-paced, tech-driven world. Discover how Gen Z's reliance on digital tools affects their personal connections and what we can learn from each other across generations.

Listen now to this candid conversation on family, technology, and the evolving definition of success. Don’t miss it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Google!

Chapters

(00:00) This podcast focuses on millennials and Gen Z. Welcome and thanks for joining us

(01:47) All right, all right, let's bring in the guests. We don't skip the introduction. You gotta get that introduction

(02:17) This is Yeni's fourth episode on the podcast

(03:47) The generations that we're discussing were years. Like, years wise, so that people understand we're talking about

(05:18) First generation immigrants tend to have a lot of responsibilities within families

(11:53) Tijani: You make calls when necessary. This is a misinterpretation of my

(16:40) It's the lack of seeking resources, not using them

(21:37) As technology improves, younger generations are becoming more reliant on technology

(24:56) Some first generation kids are proud that they don't graduate high school

(30:45) Yeni says things have gotten easier according to her generation

(34:57) Tijani says becoming a parent has led him to seeking older friendships

(39:13) If Leo's ever, like, I want to start gaming,

(41:27) Yeni says there is a sense of entitlement among younger soldiers

(45:52) Studies show that having relationships adds to people's happiness

(51:14) You feel like this person rushed into getting, um, married

(56:52) Overall, I feel like the generation, they're getting smart. They're doing it on their own terms

(59:15) Yeni takes a lingo quiz to test your generation's vocabulary

(01:00:31) Your generation still uses slay, according to the Internet

(01:01:43) Leo says I'm Gen Z; mom says she's millennial

(01:02:21) I think it's really weird when people call mom and dad on social media

(01:06:01) Yasmin, thank you for having Leo while I was gone

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In this powerful episode, Tijani and Yazmin discuss the importance of therapy and mental health, inviting Yazmin's sister, Sergeant Yeni Dzib, to share her courageous journey.

From the challenges of military life to personal struggles, Dzib opens up about her experiences with therapy, the obstacles she faced, and the support she received that helped her heal. This episode discusses the stigmas surrounding mental health, the necessity of seeking help, and the impact therapy can have on one's life.

Join us for an honest conversation that highlights the strength in vulnerability and the importance of breaking the cycle of trauma for future generations.

Chapters

(00:00) Two first generation immigrants share their experiences with fun and education

(00:57) Today's topic is around therapy. You already know of all types of therapy

(01:42) Yazmin: We are strong advocates for premarital counseling

(04:28) Yeni was sexually assaulted during his military career

(10:10) Tijani, thank you for sharing your story about mental illness

(15:06) So I have a question for you. Motivation could be something bigger than you

(19:12) Yeni went through four or five therapists before finding the right one

(20:01) Why don't people take therapy seriously culturally? Because of stigmas

(22:32) You're a mortuary affairs specialist, right? Yes. And let's talk briefly about your specialty

(25:59) Sometimes insurance doesn't cover therapy, so it feels very rushed

(27:07) Sometimes a stranger is the best option out there, honestly

(28:51) During my time in Poland, I paused, completely paused seeking help

(30:19) Did you think that the break that you took while you were in Poland affected healing

(31:56) Tijani says he relies on prayer to help him deal with life

(37:49) Would you prefer a male and or a person of color in a therapist

(39:25) Yeni says she prefers female therapists because of past trauma

(41:47) I think everybody has some type of childhood trauma that they're holding onto

(46:14) Ever considered therapy? My mom doesn't even know what therapy is

(49:36) Yeni, what is your take on therapy in general? Do you recommend it

(51:02) Would you let your kids start therapy or counseling when they're young

(54:09) Yeni, bring up your boy, then, Leo

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