
Joe Hurley is the founder of Savingforcollege.com LLC, and a certified public accountant. His experience in the field of finance dates back to 1978 when he graduated Williams College with degrees in economics and psychology. He began his career with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell (now KPMG), in New York City, and later became tax partner at Bonadio & Co. LLP; an upstate New York accounting firm, where he provided tax-planning services to individuals, corporations, and tax-exempt organizations. Joe retired from that firm in 2004.
Savingforcollege.com LLC began operations in the Spring of 2000 with Joe delving ever deeper into the strange and mystical world of 529 plans. Their improvements came into being with the signing of the 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act, which made major revisions to the rules surrounding 529 plans. Joe immediately recognized the new Section 529 as one of the most remarkable tax provisions in the Internal Revenue Code and worthy of a book-writing effort.
He published, in January 1999, "The Best Way to Save for College -- A Complete Guide to 529 Plans" and now spends all his time researching, writing, speaking, and consulting on the topic of 529 plans and other college-planning issues. His articles have appeared in The Journal of Accountancy and The CPA Journal, and he has appeared at hearings, in Washington D.C., to provide comments on the proposed regulations under Section 529. Joe is one of nine individuals recognized by Financial Planning magazine as 2005's "Movers and Shakers."
Joe Hurley is no longer answering reader questions. If you have a question about college, submit it to Dr. Don, our personal finance adviser.