I also was happy to receive a press release from the UESP a few weeks ago that announced that, effective this past Wednesday, the plan's Administrative Asset Fee would be reduced 12 percent and its Administrative Maintenance Fee would be lowered 25 percent.

The fees weren't high to begin with, but the change means the total range of asset fees on any UESP investment option will be 0.22 percent to 0.34 percent.

"The Administrative Maintenance Fee will fall from $20 down to $15 annually," the UESP release said. "That is only $3.75 per quarter for accounts with $5,000 or more. Accounts with less than $5,000 are charged only 0.075 percent of the balance each quarter. "

The release said the maintenance fee is waived for all Utah residents, which makes it an even better deal for me.

I know most people aren't looking to jump into a new investment right now. But if you are looking for a way to help your children pay for college, consider a 529 plan.

If I can set up four accounts in less than an hour, it will be easy for you, too. I'm confident that someday, my children will thank me for it.

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Speaking of investments, I want to know what you think about the recent craziness in the economy and stock market. Are you scared? Are you pulling your money out of stocks and putting it in your mattress? Are you ready to ride out the storm? Let me know.

Or, if you have a financial question, I'd like to hear that, too. Send correspondence to gkratz

@desnews.com or to the Deseret News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110.

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E-mail: gkratz@desnews.com