PA Treasurer Rob McCord.

POTTSTOWN PA – Pottsgrove School District parents and others can register now for “Making College Affordable,” a free financial-information program sponsored by Montgomery County Community College and scheduled for Jan. 27 (2011; Thursday) at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of MCCC’s West campus, 101 College Dr., Pottstown PA.

• This event has been added to The Post calendar.

The event, which is open to the public, is intended to cover all aspects of financial planning for college, focusing on the actual costs of a college education, financial aid and funding sources through savings, scholarships, grants and loans. Participants will hear about the myths of costs and financing college and how to make wise investment choices.

For more information or to register, visit the college website, here.

Pennsylvania’s state treasurer, Rob McCord, will be the guest speaker to open the event with an introduction of the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program and its benefits for state residents saving for college.

“My kids will both go off to college within the next four years, so I take the stressful challenges of saving for college personally,” McCord said. “Parents can reduce college expenses paid out-of-pocket, or via interest-laden loans, with the Treasury’s Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program. It’s a tax-smart way to invest in those you love.”

After McCord’s comments, two breakout sessions will be held.

For parents of elementary and middle school students, a session will be held to discuss Pennsylvania’s two 529 college savings plans. Families will learn the differences between the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan and the PA 529 Investment Plan to decide which plan will work for their needs.

For families with high school students, the college’s financial aid and admissions staff will discuss the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) and financial aid process.

Photo from the PA Treasury