American investors are increasingly seeking investment choices that complement their environmental and social consciences. According to the latest Report on Sustainable and Responsible Investing Trends in the United States, U.S. investments in funds that favor environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria grew to $3.3 trillion in 2011, an increase of nearly 30 percent from 2009.

Families saving for college can incorporate this focus into their college savings investing approach through the Socially Targeted Investment Portfolio offered by Virginia529 College Savings Plan (Virginia529). An option in the Virginia529 inVEST program, the portfolio currently invests exclusively in the Parnassus Equity Income Fund (symbol PRILX). Parnassus Investments, the investment management company responsible for the Fund, seeks to invest in businesses with sustainable competitive advantages that also respect the environment, have quality management teams and have ethical business practices.

Head on over to Virginia529.com to learn more about this socially responsible option which returned 20.83 percent for the one-year period ending March 31, 2013 and a three-year return of 11.92 percent.  Also, keep up with cool options like this and stay in the know about the most recent college savings news and trends by following Virginia529 on Facebook and Twitter too!

VA529 is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

If your son or daughter has recently taken the SAT Exam or other standardized tests, you know how stressful and challenging those times can be. If your child is just now preparing for an upcoming SAT Exam or other tests, there are ways to help him or her be better prepared and more confident.

Tutoring Club of Richmond offers unique ACT Smart and SAT Smart programs for the ACT and the SAT can improve scores dramatically. A diagnostic test allows them to individualize your student’s program to maximize his or her time with professional tutors. Their special software system allows them to match up specific items on practice tests with those items missed on the diagnostic.

What does all of this mean?

1. It means that students know exactly what areas they need to study most to get the best scores.
2. They don’t waste time on a general study of everything – but they focus only on what they need to study for optimal performance.
3. Students spend less time and you spend less money to get the tutoring your child needs.
4. Students gain the confidence they need to successfully complete the exam and succeed.

Tutoring Club experts help your child choose the right test to take and the right time to take it too.  These tests are important to your child’s future and they may dictate whether or not your student is able to attend the college of his/her choice. Tutoring Club increases the chances of students scoring higher on tests for a better future.

Upcoming SAT Test Dates are just around the corner for many students. Let the Tutoring Club professionals prepare your student and give him or her the confidence, information, tips, and solutions he/she needs to perform at an optimal level.

For more information on individualized instruction that helps reduce stress and build confidence, visit the website to learn more.

More Information

Also, check out these great articles to help your student excel in school and in life:

• Amazing Math
• Rx Reading
• The Write Way
• Guaranteeing Your Child’s Success

Tutoring Club is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

Did you hear about the VA529 facelift in 2012? 

They enhanced their program names and several features of the prePAID program, currently open through March 31st, 2013. Virginia529 prePAID is one of four college savings programs offered by Virginia529.

Don’t miss their fancy new online calculator where you can create lots of different scenarios of purchase and payment options. The calculator is NEW this year and designed to help you explore prePAID and calculate the Pricing and Semester Options that best fit your needs.

According to the website Onwallstreet.com:

“529 saving plans continue to reach year-over-year all-time highs. Therefore, investor interest in 529 plans and saving for education continues to rise.”

“Among 529 savings plans, Virginia’s CollegeAmerica plan, offered by American Funds, continued to dominate. With $34 billion in assets, up 22.5% in 12 months, this Virginia plan had a 21.0% market share. Only one other plan–New York’s College Savings Program, distributed by Vanguard and administered by Upromise Investments, topped a 5% market share. This direct-sold New York plan, which grew by 23.8% in the past two months, has $12 billion in assets and a 7.1% share, according to FRC.”

Take a look at the latest program offerings and enhanced features available to Virginia residents. Saving for college today will make life much easier when it’s time for your child to take the next big step in life!

Check your Savvy Saver card for discounts with VA529 too!

Virginia529 is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com