Morningstar Names Best 529 College-Savings Plans for 2012

In an annual review of the largest 529 college-savings plans released in October, Morningstar analysts identified 27 plans that are likely to outperform their peers on a risk-adjusted basis during a full market cycle. These 529 plans earned medals due to a strong menu of investment options, solid management, and reasonable fees.

Visit the Morningstar Investment Research Center's Portfolio section to find a link to the complete list of rated 529 plans.
You must have a Niles Library card to access this resource.

Go to www.nileslibrary.org/research. When prompted, enter your library barcode. Select Financial & Public Records. Choose Morningstar Investment Research Center at the bottom of the page. At the Morningstar home page, select the Portfolio tab, then choose 529 college-savings plan ratings at right.

For more information on 529 plans, select the Articles and Videos section and find 529 Plans College Savings at the Collections area from the column along the right-hand side.

Please feel free to contact libraryservices@morningstar.com if you have any questions.

Learn from Home with Morningstar Tutorial Videos

Looking for a simple overview of Morningstar Investment Research Center? If you’re unable to attend a monthly live training session, Morningstar's Tutorial Center is a great place to start.

You must have a Niles Library card to access this resource.

Go to www.nileslibrary.org/research. When prompted, enter your library barcode. Select Financial & Public Records. Choose Morningstar Investment Research Center at the bottom of the page. At the Morningstar home page, click the Help & Education tab and select the Database Guides column, which includes a link to the Tutorial Center. These short instructional videos will provide you with a step-by-step overview of the database and its valuable tools. Please feel free to contact libraryservices@morningstar.com if you have any questions after reviewing the tutorials.

Morningstar also offers monthly training webinars the first Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m. Central Time.

Be Money Smart!

Thurs. Nov. 29 10-11:30am or 6:30-8pm

Learn the best sites for seniors and money, retirement and financial planning, consumer protection, and more. This walk-in session highlights our Smart Solution$ site for unbiased information to help you make informed decisions and plan your financial future. Come in anytime during this session. Staff will work with you personally to walk you through areas of interest.  No registration required. A Smart Solution$ program.

Money Smart

Dedra Thomas, Extension Unit Educator, at  University of Illinois Extension Services, speaks to patrons about the importance of your credit report

 Adults and Money: Bank On It
Thurs., Oct. 25 6:30-8 p.m. Registration required. To register, call 847-297-251
To be held at Maine Township 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge.
Learn about the functions of the various types of financial institutions.

Bank on it  is the fourth in a series of Smart Solution$ programs on various financial issues. Partnering  with Mainstreamers of Maine Township, The Niles Senior Center, and The Park, the Library’s upcoming events are listed below.

Adults and Money:  Identity Theft
Thurs., Nov. 8 1:30-2:45 p.m.
Registration required. To register, call 847-296-0333.
To be held at The Park at Golf Mill, 8975 West Golf Rd.
This program will demonstrate customer vulnerabilities and how to reduce the victimization process. .

Be Money Smart!    www.nileslibrary.org/smartsolutions
Thurs. Nov. 29 10-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. No registration required.
To be held at the Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton St.
Learn about the Library’s Smart Solution$ web site—online resources include topics for seniors and money, retirement and financial planning, and consumer protection. This walk-in session highlights our Smart Solution$ site for unbiased information to help you make informed decisions and plan your financial future. Come in anytime during this session.

Be Money Smart!

Wed., Oct. 17 10-11:30am or 3-4:30pm

Learn the best sites for seniors and money, retirement and financial planning, consumer protection, and more. This walk-in session highlights our Smart Solution$ site for unbiased information to help you make informed decisions and plan your financial future. Come in anytime during this session. Staff will work with you personally to walk you through areas of interest.  No registration required. A Smart Solution$ program.