Congratulations to the parents with students graduating in the coming weeks and months. It’s an exciting time.  

I graduated from high school thirty years ago. Upon graduation, I received congratulatory cards with money to help me buy books and maybe the occasional pizza. It mattered to me then, and still matters today, that every dollar I received in my graduation cards was money I didn’t have to take out in student loans to cover the expenses that lay ahead during my first year of college.  

At the time, 529s didn’t exist with the exception of a few pre-paid programs that paved the way for the 529 education savings programs widely used today. If I had graduated today, the money received could have been put to work in a 529 account with the potential to grow.

Here are a few tips to consider for your graduate: 

1. Send a graduation announcement with a QR code for gifts into their 529 account. 
2. When loved ones give your graduate cash or checks, deposit the funds and transfer a portion to their 529. 
3. Encourage continued contributions from your generous friends and family. Money deposited in the future can still benefit from market growth over the next 4–8 years. 

Finally, help your student understand that gratitude is the ultimate return on investment. Encourage them to send handwritten thank-you notes that mention exactly how the gift is being used, whether it’s purchasing a specific textbook or seeding their long-term 529 growth. 

Beyond the initial note, a personal phone call or a brief progress report after the first semester lets loved ones know how their investment is paying off in the classroom, elevating their belief in the investment made, strengthening a support network that will cheer them on well past graduation day. 

About the author: 

Lael M. Oldmixon, M.Ed., is the Executive Director of the Education Trust of Alaska, which offers Alaska’s three 529 plans, Alaska 529, the T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan, and the John Hancock Freedom 529 Plan. She lives in Alaska with her spouse, two children, and two dogs. 

Learn more about Alaska 529 at alaska529plan.com, the T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan at troweprice529.com, and the John Hancock Freedom 529 at jhinvestments.com/529.

On Mother’s Day, we celebrate moms for their countless contributions — one of the most important of which is the priceless role they play with respect to education.

As Learners Themselves
Today, millions of moms aren’t just helping with homework—they’re doing their own. In fact, about one in seven women in college is also raising a child at the same time.

For these moms, going back to school — or starting for the first time — isn’t just about earning a degree or some other credential. It’s about creating a brighter future for their families. It means long days and even longer nights. Classes squeezed in between other responsibilities. Studying at the crack of dawn, after everyone else is asleep, or in any possible quiet moment they can carve out during the day.

In doing so, moms model something powerful. They demonstrate how to invest in yourself, set a goal, and take small, consistent steps toward it no matter your age. 

As Student Loan Borrowers
Even for moms who aren’t currently in school themselves, education in the rearview mirror can still be top of mind. Many are managing student loan debt of their own — as women hold nearly two-thirds of the outstanding post-secondary educational debt. Moms may be diligently chipping away at what they owe while also attempting to save for their children’s educational futures at the very same time.

As Coordinators-in-Chief
And moms are often the ones handling the lion share of school-related oversight and hands-on responsibilities – such as keeping track of assignments and extracurriculars, volunteering at school events, staying in touch with teachers, helping prepare for exams and school presentations and projects, and so much more. They’re also offering encouragement every step of the way. 

And moms are the ones often thinking about what comes next from an academic perspective. When summer approaches, it is moms who are often on point to figure out how to keep their children engaged and learning over the summer break. And soon after, they’re the ones preparing as well for the coming school year. 

As College Savers & Planners
And when the time comes, they’re often the ones leading the charge on college planning — coordinating campus visits, keeping track of deadlines, reviewing applications, reading essays and helping in all possible ways to manage what can be a very emotional time.  

And in the years leading up to this juncture, many moms have likely taken the initiative to learn about ways to prepare for the financial side of education after high school — by exploring 529 saving and prepaid plans, scholarships, and other funding options.  

Worthy of our Gratitude
So, this Mother’s Day, be sure to thank the moms you know for the examples they set through their own lifelong learning, the ongoing commitment they show to education, and the foundation they lay for the futures of the children they love. 

On a personal note, being a mom has been my favorite role of all, and the educational aspects have been particularly rewarding. My mom set such a wonderful example for me to follow. I am so grateful for the support and encouragement she offered my siblings and me. 

About the author:

Patricia Roberts is the Chief Operating Officer of Gift of College Inc. She has been part of the 529 higher education savings arena for more than 25 years, serving as an attorney, product manager, and is the past chair of the CSPN Corporate Affiliate Committee.

By Jillian Ziegler, Editor, my529, Utah’s educational savings plan

It’s Valentine’s Day, and 529 plans have a lot on offer for anyone looking to save for future qualified education expenses for themselves or loved ones. Love is in the air this time of year — so why not develop a love of saving for higher education? 

_______________                      

So, what is a 529 plan — and what exactly is there to love? 

529 plans are sponsored by states and educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to offer a tax-advantaged way to save money for education.

Account owners can choose a 529 plan they like and contribute however much or little funds as they want. The 529 plan will keep those funds in investments, and come time to pay for school, any earnings from it won’t be subject to federal or state taxes when used for qualified education expenses. 

After all, the heart wants what the heart wants — and when it comes to choosing between the chance of more loans or the chance to save come enrollment time, the solution to this love triangle is clear. 

You might feel like “qualified education expenses” is pretty limiting, but there are a broad range of career paths and needs that 529 funds can help you or your beneficiary achieve. 

For starters, these qualified education expenses cover tuition at eligible educational institutions that qualify for federal financial aid — most colleges, universities, community colleges and more. This even applies abroad; if your beneficiary wants to head out for an international education, they may be able to use their 529 funds for tuition at many institutions around the world. 

Even if tuition is already covered by 529 funds, other savings or scholarships, your student still has plenty of options to take advantage of those tax-free qualified withdrawals. Room and board for students enrolled at least half-time, books and materials, some fees, computers, internet provider service and more. 

Is the account’s beneficiary not interested in a four-year collegiate education? No problem. Funds from a 529 account can be used for tuition and materials for registered apprenticeships and post-secondary credentials, including qualified trade schools, technical colleges, qualified beauty schools — and that’s only scratching the surface. 

On top of that, if you end up needing some funds to help pay for your beneficiary’s K-12 education, 529 plans can cover up to $20,000 dollars of that annually too! If you need to dip into the savings before high school graduation, you can grab books, certain materials, and qualified educational therapy and tutoring costs outside the home. If there’s private school tuition on the table, 529s can go toward that too.

During your beneficiary’s high school years, 529s can cover things like admission fees and placement tests, as well as dual enrollment in a college or trade school. 

529s can’t be used for everything — unfortunately, every love story needs a little heartbreak — but the list of qualified education expenses is long enough that this blog hasn’t even covered all of it. 

Should an account’s beneficiary end up not needing all the funds for qualified education expenses, that love need not be lost! There are plenty of options to keep the savings train rolling. 

Funds can be reassigned to a different beneficiary at any time if they are a member of the same family as the current beneficiary and under age 19. Alternatively, subject to IRS limits, the funds may be transferred on a tax-free basis to another state’s 529 plan, an ABLE account or a Roth IRA for the beneficiary. It’s easy to incorporate your 529 plan into estate planning too, helping build a legacy of education for future generations. 

One more thing to love about 529 plans is how easy it is to gift to one. 

If your beneficiary’s friends and relatives want to eschew the candy hearts this year (or even supplement them), gifting to their 529 account is a quick way to make a real impact on their future — spreading the love for years to come. 

But how to pick your sweetheart 529 plan? Everyone has their own must-haves when on the investment plan market, and Morningstar is likely to have you covered with their annual ratings of 529 plans nationwide. Whether you’re interested in low fees, high overall ratings or even state tax benefits, this guide is a great place to start. 

So, this Valentine’s Day, look into opening a 529 plan — and maybe Cupid’s arrow will end up giving you a lifelong love of saving for education. 

After all, as the classic Valentine’s poem goes: 

Roses are red
Violets are blue 
Savings can help
when tuition is due!

About the author:

Jillian Ziegler is an editor at my529, Utah’s educational savings plan. She has a cat named Pippin.

*Carefully read the Program Description in its entirety for more information and consider all investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing.

A Morningstar Analyst Rating™ for a 529 college savings plan is not a credit or risk rating. Analyst ratings are subjective in nature and should not be used as the sole basis for investment decisions. Morningstar does not represent its analyst ratings to be guarantees. Please visit Morningstar.com for more information about the analyst ratings, as well as other Morningstar ratings and fund rankings.

By Regina Carmon, Sr. Director, Tuition Financing Relationship Manager

Reposted from January 14, 2025

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. contributed countless lessons about life, purpose, and service. Although rooted in the civil rights movement, his wisdom also offers guidance for how we plan for the future of those we love. As we consider decisions about supporting our families and building up our communities, let Dr. King’s words inspire us to prioritize meaningful actions.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”Dr. King asked this in 1957 during a speech in Montgomery, Alabama, during the civil rights movement. It remains just as relevant today. For parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and mentors, this question resonates deeply. It’s not just about the day-to-day ways we care for our loved ones, but also about the long-term opportunities we create for them.

One of the most impactful answers to this question can be investing in their education. A 529 savings plan is one of the best tools to accomplish this in a tax-advantaged way. Whether you’re saving for college, vocational training, certain apprenticeship programs, or even K-12 tuition, a 529 savings plan helps you prepare for the rising costs of education while easing the financial burden on future generations.

Sounds simple enough, yet few Americans are taking advantage of the opportunity. The idea of saving for a child’s education can feel overwhelming, especially with the rising cost of college and other financial responsibilities competing for our attention. That’s where another quote from Dr. King becomes relevant:

“Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”

A decade later, in a 1967 speech at Glenville High School, Dr. King reminded us that it’s not the size of our contribution that matters but the effort and intention behind it. You don’t need to fully fund a 529 account overnight or aim to cover 100% of future education costs. Thanks to the power of compounding, every contribution, no matter how small, can grow over time. Start saving early; a little each month can make a significant difference years later.

When you open a 529 savings plan, you’re answering the call to do something meaningful for others. You’re giving your child or loved one the gift of opportunity, reducing the financial stress of pursuing their dreams, and setting an example of generational generosity.

Why Choose a 529 Plan?

1. Tax Benefits: Contributions grow federally tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified educational expenses are tax-free. Many states offer additional tax deductions or credits for contributions.
2. Flexibility: Funds can be used for a variety of educational expenses, including tuition, books, room and board, certain student loan repayments, and unused funds may be eligible for a rollover to a Roth IRA (subject to rollover rules and limits).
3. Control: As the account owner, you maintain control over the funds earmarked for an intended purpose.
4. Accessibility: Even if you can’t contribute large amounts, consistent small contributions can still yield meaningful results over time. The best part is your village—family and friends—can contribute to your account.

Living Out Legacy

As we reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words of wisdom, let them inspire us to take meaningful action for the people we care about most. A 529 plan is more than a financial strategy—it’s a way to answer the call to serve and invest in the future.

When you think about the question, “What are you doing for others?” consider how even the smallest steps toward educational savings can be transformative. When you doubt whether your contributions are enough, remember Dr. King’s advice: “Be the best of whatever you are.” By doing your best—whatever that looks like for you—you’re planting generational seeds of opportunity, growth, and success.

Be inspired to act today. Consider opening a 529 plan, make consistent contributions, and start building a legacy that will empower the next generation to live their dreams, pursue their passions, and one day inspire them to do similar for another.

About the Author
Regina Carmon has worked within the 529 industry since 2009 and joined TIAA as Sr. Director, Tuition Financing Relationship Manager in 2022. Regina is the proud parent of her daughter Raye Nicole; and pets Bentley and Jet. She enjoys collaborating on ways to bring financial literacy to the underserved, volunteering monthly to distribute food, serving on the media ministry at church, experiencing cuisines from travels near and far, and spending time with family and friends.

Please read the Plan Description on www.tiaa.org/529 carefully prior to investing, for details on its investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses, and whether your home state offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. More information about municipal fund securities is available in the issuer’s Plan Description. Investments in the plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. Consult your legal or tax professional for tax advice. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. (TFI) is the Plan Manager for several state 529 plans, and TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, is the distributor and underwriter for those plans. 4132995-0127

By: South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, Administrator of Future Scholar College Savings Plan

As South Carolina’s Treasurer, I know that having a financial plan is crucial to a happy and healthy life. So, whether you make resolutions or not, I hope you’ll begin 2026 with some simple financial planning. By following a few tips, you can make sure you’re able to save money for both your future – and your child’s future.

1. Edit and negotiate.

What fees do you pay each month? Are you still sure you need these services? For example, are you watching all of the streaming services you’re signed up for? Or are you working out at the gym so that the membership fee you’re paying is worth it? If not, edit the services you signed up for but no longer need.

Have you noticed your insurance premiums have gone up? If those rates have gotten too expensive, a different insurer could save you some money – or negotiate a better rate with your current carrier. Are you carrying a balance on your credit card? If paying off high interest credit cards isn’t possible, try to negotiate a lower rate with your lender. Explain any life events, such as illness or a job status change, which could affect your ability to pay your debt. Wherever possible, shop around and negotiate the rates you pay for services.

2. Keep an eye on your financial future.

Do you have retirement accounts from different employers? If so, consider consolidating your funds into one account, such as an IRA. Consolidating makes it easier to keep an eye on your future. 

If you have investments, take the time to analyze each one to identify and weed out any poor performers. Consider consulting your financial advisor to help you make important decisions about which investments you want to keep and which ones need to go.

3. Invest in your child’s future.

I hope you’ll make 2026 the year you choose a 529 education savings plan for your child’s future. Whether your child wants to become a teacher, a chef, a dentist, or an engineer, saving money for your kid’s education will boost the chances of fulfilling those future dreams. 

By opening a 529 college savings account now and starting to save as early as possible, you give your investment more time to grow. Your savings grow tax-free, and when it’s time to use your funds, you withdraw the money tax-free also, as long as you use it to pay for qualified educational expenses. A tax-free investment in your child’s future is a smart and important plan for 2026.

Most families decide to save with 529 plans because of their substantial tax advantages, but you’ll also be happy to find that 529 plans make the process of saving for education simple. Most plans feature quick online applications, and many allow you to set up automated contributions if you like. 

If you already have a 529 account, congratulations! 

You have a smart plan for your child’s future. Consider increasing your monthly contribution for 2026. Did you receive a work bonus or tax credit you can put toward your child’s college savings for a savings boost? Perhaps you have family and friends who would like to contribute to your child’s account for birthdays or special occasions? If so, no gift could be better than a gift of education.

Happy New Year! 

I hope 2026 is your best year yet. Having a New Year’s plan is a great way to make your family’s finances even healthier. And having a 529 plan to save for your child’s education is the perfect way to make your child’s future even brighter. 

About the author: Curtis Loftis is the State Treasurer of South Carolina. He also serves as the administrator of South Carolina’s Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan. Visit treasurer.sc.gov or futurescholar.com for more information on ways to save through a 529 plan.

LaKesha Page, Director of College Savings and ABLE TN, State of Tennessee Treasury Department

December 23, 2025

As the holidays bring peace of mind through connection with family and friends and the traditions that make each holiday special, we also have an opportunity to focus on what matters to us. For many families, this means cherishing the people we love and building a legacy that empowers our children to reach their full potential. As you prepare for the opening of gifts this holiday, remember: the greatest gifts aren’t just found under the tree. They are also in the actions we take to prepare for our children’s futures. 

As a mother of three children in their twenties, I cherish holidays spent with them, and I also know how quickly time passes. It seems it was just yesterday that we were celebrating our first Christmas as a family. Now, each of them has grown into phenomenal adults. So much of their current success is attributable to early preparation. However, I did not do it alone – it was with immeasurable divine grace and support from family and an amazing village along the way. All three have completed post-secondary education. My oldest pursued his education at a trade school, and my other children attended traditional baccalaureate institutions. My youngest is currently in graduate school. Though their paths differ, they share a common thread: each is a happy and productive young adult, passionately pursuing work aligned with their talents, contributing to their communities, and building meaningful lives. Reflecting on their journeys, knowing preparation made a difference, brings me peace, especially when I welcome them home and spend time with them during the holidays. 

I know I’m not alone in this sentiment. In my role as Director of College Savings, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with families about why they chose to save early for their children’s futures. One family, saving for their three children ages four, five, and eight, shared: “Having 529 accounts means we’re taking an active step toward each of their futures. It means their educational goals and career aspirations are worth planning for and investing in now.”

Another mother, saving for her three-year-old daughter, told me: “Saving early gives me peace of mind and hope for a bright future for my child.”

You, too, can have peace of mind through preparation, whether you contribute to an existing 529 account this holiday season, or whether this article is the impetus for you to open a new 529 account. By investing early, such as the family with three young children and the mother of a toddler, you’re not just saving money—you’re building the foundation and creating opportunities for your child to have a bright future. The earlier you begin saving, the more time your investment can grow over time. And, you also do not have to proceed alone. It takes a village, so invite your family and friends to join you in the journey by gifting into your child’s 529 account or establishing their own account. 

Saving and investing in a 529 account is a way to manifest your belief in your child’s future, and it is an action with tremendous impact that could bring you peace of mind this holiday season and in the years to come. 

About the Author:

LaKesha Page is the Director of College Savings and ABLE TN for the State of Tennessee Treasury Department. The TNStars College Savings 529 Program was launched in 2012, and ABLE TN was launched in 2016 under the leadership of Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr. TNStars is designed to give Tennessee families high quality investment options at a low cost to help them put aside money for qualified higher education expenses. One of the nation’s first Achieving a Better Life Experience programs to launch, ABLE TN has provided a valuable resource to help individuals with disabilities save to pay for qualified expenses.

By Jenn Dyck, Marketing & Communication Specialist, Washington Education Savings Plans (WA529).

December 9, 2025

Let’s be honest—holiday shopping can feel like an Olympic sport. You sprint through malls, dodge crowds, and try to decide if you should get toys, tech, books, or clothes for all the kids in your life. Holiday shopping lists often feel overwhelming. Imagine giving a meaningful gift this year that won’t require you to wait in another long line to buy it. Consider giving the gift of higher education. It is a meaningful and long-lasting investment in a child’s life.

Making a gift contribution to a 529 plan is a great way to save for tomorrow’s higher education costs for someone you love in a tax-advantaged way. It doesn’t come in a big, shiny box to open, and it won’t light up or make noise (thank goodness). But it might just be the smartest, most thoughtful gift you ever give. After all, “the best gifts do come in small packages”. In this case, that small package grows into secure (tax-free) education funds that support a child’s dreams.

“Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover”

At first glance, making a gift contribution to a 529 account doesn’t exactly scream “exciting.” The box is not very big, there is no squeal of surprise, and chances are, it wasn’t on their wish list. But “don’t judge a book by its cover.” What looks like a boring, simple deposit that they won’t use today will help cover the “burden” of higher education costs in their future (for which they will be eternally grateful).

Think about it: the latest toy or tech gadget could be obsolete by next year, while a 529 account will quietly build value—like a hard-working elf in the background.

“Size Doesn’t Matter” (Not When It Comes to Education Savings)

Some people are overwhelmed with the idea of saving for higher education because they think they need to save enough to cover the whole cost. That would be nice (in an ideal world), but it simply isn’t realistic for most of us. Size really doesn’t matter. With most 529 plans, you can start with a small amount and make a significant impact in a child’s future by saving what you can, when you can.  

Whether you start with $25 or $250, every contribution adds up over time and helps a child pursue their dreams after high school. As a parent of two recent college grads, I can tell you that all our seemingly “small” gift contributions added up quickly and were 100% the best gift we ever gave our children! The purpose of a 529 plan is to make saving (in a tax-advantaged way) easy, flexible, and accessible. Every dollar you save gets you closer to covering some, most, or all of a child’s higher education costs, no matter what path they choose after high school.

“The Proof Is in the Pudding”

If contributing to a 529 education savings plan as a holiday present sounds too practical, not fun enough, or makes you feel like a holiday fruitcake, don’t worry, you are not alone. However, the proof is in the pudding; hundreds of thousands of families already save for college and career training using a 529 savings plan. Nearly every state offers at least one state-sponsored 529 plan. Families use 529 plans to cover higher education expenses at schools worldwide every year, reducing or eliminating the burden of student loan debt.  

Anyone can make a gift contribution to a child’s 529 account and help their education savings grow. Family (and friends) might even make gift contributions a tradition for birthdays, milestones, holidays, and other special occasions.

“Give and You Shall Receive”

Here’s the irony of giving the gift of education: give and you shall receive. Maybe not right away—but years from now, you will see and feel the payoff when the child for whom you’re saving walks across a graduation stage. You’ll have the privilege of knowing, “I helped make that happen,” and you might even receive the gift of gratitude from the recipient. Think of the tax benefits of saving in a 529 account as another ‘give and you shall receive’ perk!

“It’s the Thought That Counts”

Loved ones might not squeal when they open an envelope and find a 529 contribution/gift certificate instead of a new smartwatch. However, when it comes to meaningful gifts, it really is the thought that counts. You’re not just giving money—you’re showing a child you believe in their dreams. You’re giving them an opportunity and paving a path toward a bright future.

Wrapping up: “The Best is Yet to Come”

Long after the wrapping paper is gone and the excitement about holiday gifts is forgotten, a child will always remember the gift that made a difference. When they graduate with little to no student debt, they might even forgive you for not buying them the smartwatch they were hoping for.

This holiday season, skip some of the chaos and give a small package with a BIG gift inside. Whether it’s for your kids, grandkids, or a special little someone in your life who probably already has too many toys, consider contributing to a 529 account in their name. It may not jingle, sparkle, or come with a remote control, but it is the gift where “the best is yet to come.” When it comes to a child’s future, the best gifts definitely come in small packages (or envelopes), and the return on your investment is absolutely priceless.

About the author:

Jenn Dyck is a Marketing & Communication Specialist for Washington Education Savings Plans (WA529). WA529 helps families save for education expenses in tax-advantaged plans and reduce or avoid future student loan debt. WA529 offers two 529 savings plan options: the GET 529 Prepaid Tuition Plan and WA529 Invest Education Savings Plan.   Jenn lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and enjoys kayaking, exploring beaches, and spending time with family. She is passionate about K-12 education and encourages students (and adults) to pursue higher education. Recently, she returned to college and completed her bachelor’s degree at the same time as her two young adult children earned theirs. It’s never too late to pursue your higher education goals!

By David Bell, Senior Vice President, Vestwell

December 2, 2025 republished from 2024

In just a few weeks, we’ll be preparing to gather with friends and family to celebrate the end of another year with our various traditions – a favorite family recipe, matching pajamas, a heirloom decoration, and specially selected gifts wrapped with care. Promotions have been running since we turned off the lights on Halloween night – but what if you could wrap a gift with (almost) endless possibilities this year? A gift that could be imagined and re-imagined, a gift that could potentially be worth even more than your investment this year. What if this year, you started the tradition of supporting your loved ones’ future dreams by making a gift to their 529 account on Giving Tuesday?

When you gift to a 529 account, you provide several gifts in one:

A gift that could grow over time: Contributions of any size can add up over the years and have the potential for growth while invested. A new fun family tradition might be a family matching fund. Each family member can contribute a small amount of $25 to reach a target goal toward a new semester, tuition deadline, or more by the end of the year.

A gift of flexibility: Your loved one can choose which qualified distribution expense is best for them when they head off to school – tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and more. 529 plans can also support other aspirations like trade schools, apprenticeships, and fellowships.

A gift that wins awards: For the past three years, 529 Plans were selected as Good Housekeeping’s Best Parenting Awards.

This holiday season, consider giving a gift full of possibilities by contributing to a loved one’s 529 account – or better yet, set up recurring contributions to help them achieve their dreams. Ask your family and friends to share their 529 gifting information or see what gifting options your home state 529 program offers by visiting CSPN’s Find My State’s Plan tool.

About the Author

David Bell is Senior Vice President at Vestwell, leading client relationships for 529 and ABLE programs. David has a long background in Financial Education and State Savings Programs.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because the star of the show is gratitude. Gratitude helps us focus on the essentials, like family, friends, colleagues, experiences, and the community and place where we work and live. (photo credit: Lael Oldmixon)

I reside and work in Alaska, a place of extremes. It’s dark and (very) cold in the winter and light and warm in the summer. These polar swings have taught me to be grateful for moments like the amazing aurora dancing on dark winter nights and for gifts like the abundance of autumnal blueberries and cranberries on the tail end of summer. Homegrown foods will grace our table at Thanksgiving in the form of pie and root vegetables, reminding us of midnight sun gardening during our longest days of the year. The extremes offer bounty and beauty, and I am grateful for that. 

In my career, I’m grateful to inspire and influence families to save for a loved one’s future education. According to the most recent 529 Insider’s Report, “17.4 million accounts hold $588 billion in assets in 529 savings and prepaid plans.” As my 529 colleagues and I seek ways to help individuals access, afford, and attain their academic aspirations, 529 education savings plans continue to grow and help even more families.  

As one of those 17.4 million account holders, I appreciate the ability to set aside a small amount each month to help reduce future debt my kids may incur as they pursue their education and training past high school. My children wish we’d spend more on technology, popular toys, and trendy clothes, but education savings is the gift they’ll never outgrow and one that keeps on giving. It’s not flashy, but they will appreciate the thoughtful gift of education when they are ready to take their first withdrawal. 

I’m also thankful for the community that supports our savings goals. My employer’s commitment to education provides support by offering a systematic way to save from a paycheck into a 529 account. The simple direct deposit option has resulted in at least 26 additional contributions annually to my children’s 529 accounts. Extended family members have also demonstrated a dedication to education with contributions to celebrate birthdays and other milestones. It powerfully conveys that we are not alone on our savings journey. 

For these reasons and many more not mentioned in this blog, I look forward to this holiday season with a grateful heart. We will have a table filled with delicious treats. We will appreciate our Alaska community and focus on the star of the season, gratitude. (photo credit: Lael Oldmixon)

About the author: Lael M. Oldmixon, M.Ed., is the Executive Director of the Education Trust of Alaska, which offers Alaska’s three 529 plans, Alaska 529, the T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan, and the John Hancock Freedom 529 Plan. She lives in Alaska with her spouse, two children, and two dogs. Learn more about Alaska 529 at alaska529plan.com, the T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan at troweprice529.com, and the John Hancock Freedom 529 at  jhinvestments.com/529.

Fall is my favorite time of the year, and one of the biggest reasons is Halloween. I love the crisp air, the creative decorations in the neighborhood, and, of course, the kids in costumes. While fall brings pumpkins, parties, and candy, it also brings a new school year.

That can serve as a chilling reminder of something terrifying: the looming specter of future higher education costs.

(Don’t say you weren’t warned about the wordplay. We’re just getting started…)

The Frightening Reality of College Costs

Let’s start with a number that’s scarier than any ghost story. The average annual cost of attendance at a four-year in-state public university exceeds $27,000 per year—and that number more than doubles for private colleges. Multiply that by four years (or more), and you could be staring down a total cost well into six figures. If you wait too long to start saving, you may find yourself facing a financial nightmare. 

No Tricks, Just Smart Treats

When it comes to saving for college, not all accounts are created equal. One of the best options available is a 529 college savings plan.

Here’s why 529 plans are a treat, not a trick:

• Tax-Free Growth: Your earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
• Flexibility: Funds can be used for tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and even certain K–12 expenses or student loan repayments. Recently, some credentialing programs were added to the list of eligible 529 expenses.
• Low Maintenance: You can “set it and forget it” with automatic contributions.
• Transferability: If a child decides not to go to college, you have several options. You can roll the funds into a Roth IRA account for the same child or transfer the funds to another family member’s 529 account.

Some states even offer additional tax benefits for contributing to their own state’s 529 plan. Compare plans to find the one that’s right for you.

Avoid the Curse of Student Debt

Without savings, many families turn to loans—and that can lead to decades of horrifying debt. Americans owe over $1.8 trillion in student loans. That’s enough to send chills down anyone’s spine.

By saving early, you can reduce or even eliminate the need for borrowing. Think of your 529 account as a protective charm, guarding your future (and your child’s) from the long-term burden of debt. (C’mon now, don’t roll your eyes. That was a good one…)

The journey is less scary when you bring friends 

You don’t have to walk through the graveyard alone. When gift-giving events come around, encourage grandparents, relatives, and even friends to contribute to your child’s 529 account. Most 529 plans make it easy for loved ones to give gifts directly into your account.

When you believe in your children’s future, so do they

The National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) estimates that kids with an education savings account in their name are six to seven times more likely to continue their education beyond high school. The most powerful magic in your financial spellbook is time.

Starting to save when your child is young allows you to harness the power of compound growth—where your money earns interest on its interest. Even small, consistent contributions can grow into a healthy nest egg over 10 to 18 years.

Halloween Wordplay: The Final Chapter

This Halloween, while others are carving pumpkins and trading candy, take a moment to plan for something even sweeter—a financially secure future for your child. They may be years away from tackling their higher education goals today, but time moves fast. Starting now means you’ll be better prepared when that acceptance letter arrives.

So, grab your broomstick, banish the budget boogeyman, and take the first step toward overpowering the cost of higher education. (Don’t stop me, I’m on a roll!) When it comes to college savings, the only thing you should fear is not saving at all.

About the author:

Rodger O’Connor is the Associate Director for Marketing and Communications for Washington Education Savings Plans (WA529), cranking out horrifyingly cringe-worthy content like this article since 2019. WA529 plans include the GET Prepaid Tuition Plan and WA529 Invest. Since 1998, tens of thousands of students have used more than $2 billion of their WA529 savings for higher education in all 50 states and at least 15 countries worldwide.