Published: August 03, 2010
New Survey Finds Saving for College is a Top Priority for Today's Teens
OMAHA, Neb. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Respondents from an annual survey
released by TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AMTD) found more
teens are saving for college in 2010 than one year ago. According to the
survey, a majority of teens (66 percent) reported saving their money to
pay for all or part of college or higher education programs, up from 62
percent of teens who reported the same in 2009.
The survey also found that today's teens are more focused on saving for
college than previous generations. Significantly fewer adults (46
percent) surveyed said they saved for college when they were teenagers.
Additionally, today's teens are more inclined to help with the education
costs, as 22 percent reported they do not feel obligated to pay tuition,
but in fact want to help, compared to just 16 percent of adults who
reported feeling the same when they were teens.
"Today's teens have witnessed what their families have endured during
recent economic challenges, and they are much more aware of the
importance of planning ahead," said Stuart Rubinstein, managing
director, investment products, TD AMERITRADE. "We encourage parents to
use this awareness as an opportunity to educate their children on how
they can benefit from proactive financial planning."
Despite the savings attitudes of teens, one major obstacle remains.
According to the survey, 70 percent of today's teens and 57 percent of
adults have never heard of a 529 plan.
"It's discouraging that so many know so little about one of the most
beneficial education savings vehicles available to them," Rubinstein
continued. "There is much more progress to be made in terms of investor
education about proper financial planning, and it's our goal to continue
to educate investors about their options."
Investors looking to learn more about education savings can visit TD
AMERITRADE's college planning Web
site to determine which of the following savings plans might be
right for them:
The site also offers online college planning
seminars, tools
and calculators for those looking to learn more about this
increasingly important topic.
Before investing in the TD AMERITRADE 529 College Savings Plan,
carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and
expenses involved. This and other information regarding the plan is
included in the Enrollment Handbook (Issuer's Official Statement),
Participation Agreement and each prospectus on the underlying mutual
funds, which may be obtained by calling 877-408-4644. Please read each
prospectus, the Enrollment Handbook and Participation Agreement
carefully prior to investing. Investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original
cost.
You should be aware that other states may sponsor their own
qualified tuition plans and may offer a state tax deduction or other
benefits that are limited to residents who invest in that plan. You
should consult with your financial, tax or other advisor about state and
local tax benefits or limitations based on your specific situation.
Favorable tax treatment by your state of residence should be one of many
appropriately weighted factors you should consider in making an
investment decision.
AMTD-G
Survey Methodology
These results are based on a survey conducted by Infogroup | ORC of
Princeton, N.J., on behalf of TD AMERITRADE. Seven hundred seventy two
(772) adults who are age 20 to 59 along with 363 teenagers 14-19
participated in a telephone survey conducted July 8-13, 2010. Survey
participants across the country were asked to share their views on how
the current economic environment has affected their lifestyle and
outlook. The margin of error among the adults 20-59 in this survey is
±4%; among the teenagers, the margin of error is ±5%. This means that in
19 cases out of 20, survey results based on 772 respondents will differ
by no more than 4 percentage points in either direction from what would
have been obtained by seeking the opinions of all eligible U.S. adults
who are 20 to 59 years of age. Similarly, the results of the survey
among teenagers will differ by no more than 5 percentage points in
either direction. Infogroup | ORC and TD AMERITRADE are separate,
unaffiliated companies and are not responsible for each other's products
and services.
About Infogroup | ORC
Infogroup | ORC is a leader in global market research with
expertise in Information Technology and Telecommunications, Healthcare,
Financial Services, Public Services and Consumer Behavior. For more
information, visit www.opinionresearch.com.
About TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation
TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AMTD), through its brokerage
subsidiaries,(1) combines innovative trading technology,
easy-to-use-and-understand trading
tools, investment services, investor education and superior client
service to create a market-leading financial services experience. Now
home to the award-winning thinkorswim trading technology(2)
and the Investools investor education program, TD AMERITRADE provides
millions of retail investors, traders and independent registered
investment advisors with the tools, service and support they need to
help build confidence in today's rapidly changing market environment.
For more information and resources for journalists, please visit the TD
AMERITRADE newsroom at www.amtd.com.
(1) TD AMERITRADE, Inc., member FINRA (www.FINRA.org)
/SIPC (www.SIPC.org),
NFA (www.nfa.futures.org),
TD AMERITRADE Clearing, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.
(2) thinkorswim, prior to joining TD AMERITRADE, earned 4.9
stars, the top score, in the category "Trading Technology" , and was
rated #1 overall online broker in Barron's ranking of online
brokers, 3/15/2010. thinkorswim was evaluated versus others in eight
total categories, including trade experience, trading technology,
usability, range of offerings, research amenities, portfolio analysis
and reporting, customer service and education and costs. thinkorswim
topped the list in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 with the highest
weighted-average score. Barron's is a registered trademark of Dow
Jones & Company (c) 2006â2010.

TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation
For Media:
Christina
Goethe, 201-369-8541
Communications & Public Affairs
christina.goethe@tdameritrade.com
or
For
Investors:
Jeff Goeser, 402-597-8464
Director, Finance &
Investor Relations
jeffrey.goeser@tdameritrade.com
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