By Lael M. Oldmixon, M.Ed. , is the Executive Director of the Education Trust of Alaska
February 11, 2025
My relationship with the 529 education savings industry started after the birth of my first child. I vividly remember pushing his stroller at the state fair and seeing a booth for Alaska’s education savings plan. The staff were at the fair to promote a scholarship account giveaway and educate the public about the state’s 529 program. My spouse and I strongly desired to do something but weren’t quite ready to commit to a savings tool. We were trepidatious about starting a 529 account and overwhelmed by the jargon, the risks, and frankly, by the feeling that we may be locked into something that didn’t give us flexibility and liquidity. That moment at the state fair provided us with a person to answer our questions, allay our fears, and coach us in taking the first steps to start a long engagement with 529s.
My relationship with the 529 education savings industry started after the birth of my first child. I vividly remember pushing his stroller at the state fair and seeing a booth for Alaska’s education savings plan. The staff were at the fair to promote a scholarship account giveaway and educate the public about the state’s 529 program. My spouse and I strongly desired to do something but weren’t quite ready to commit to a savings tool. We were trepidatious about starting a 529 account and overwhelmed by the jargon, the risks, and frankly, by the feeling that we may be locked into something that didn’t give us flexibility and liquidity. That moment at the state fair provided us with a person to answer our questions, allay our fears, and coach us in taking the first steps to start a long engagement with 529s.
That was nearly 15 years ago. I am happy to report that our family’s relationship with the 529 industry has deepened and developed into a beautiful partnership. And now, with time in the rearview mirror and having learned so much more since taking the helm of Alaska 529 education savings programs, I say, “What’s NOT to love about 529s?!”
Here’s what I love about 529s:
- You can use your 529 accounts tax-free for education expenses wherever your loved one’s path takes them, including K-12 tuition, apprenticeships, vocational school, college, graduate school, loan repayment, and continuing education.
- Most recently, congress added tax-free Roth IRA rollover contributions up to $35,000 if your account has been open for at least 15 years.
- 529 accounts are flexible and can be used for SO many options.
- Family and friends can gift education funds, which not only makes gift-giving easy but also meaningful.
- With direct deposit contribution options, you can set it and forget it, making saving in a 529 something you don’t have to worry about each paycheck.
- Most 529 accounts can be started with a small contribution, and many plans have incentives to encourage new accounts!
What I love most about my 529 plan is that it offers me an opportunity to reduce the worry of debt, set my savings aspirations, and have realistic conversations with my kids about what we can afford because we saved.
There is, indeed, a lot to love about 529 plans.
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. She lives in Alaska with her spouse, two children, and two dogs.
By Trisha Good, Executive Director, Ohio Tuition Trust Authority
January 21, 2025
As we settle into the new year, is one of your resolutions improving your family’s financial health? If so, there are many ways for everyone to learn healthy money habits. Here are some ideas for how to save as a family and have fun while doing it.
Board games
Board games are a fun way to learn valuable life lessons. Choose ones that teach basic principles of personal finance, like the Game of Life, Pay Day, or Monopoly. Some games specifically focus on money management techniques like Cash Flow 101. For a more comprehensive list of board games to teach personal finance skills at different ages, this article lists 53 options. As your family plays these games together, your children can learn core financial concepts to help them in the future.
Books
Reading with your child or grandchild builds their language skills. Reading age-appropriate money books together builds their understanding of how money works and how they can make money work for them. It also allows them to ask questions of you, which can demystify talking about finances with them and can allow for more open communication. And reading these books together also allows you to brush up on your financial basics as well. Here are some money books with which to begin.
Learning how to save
If your children are young, introduce them to basic budgeting concepts with spend, save, and share jars. They can watch how Elmo from Sesame Street saves in those three jars. After earning money from their allowance or completing chores, talk to them about the value of saving now so they can use it later.
For teenagers, show them how to set up a budget to pay for their smartphone, buy gas, or save for their education after high school. Another idea is to give your teenagers money to get school clothes money once per year so they can choose how to spend the funds. This way, they can see how much or how little they can buy, depending on their own personal spending decisions. It’s better to learn what things really cost now to set their financial priorities better later in life.
Parent Magazine also offers guidance on money lessons to teach your children at every age.
Set and incentivize savings goals
Talk to your children about something they would like to have, like a new phone or video game. Then, help them come up with a plan to reach their savings goals. By breaking down their savings goals into small chunks based on their allowance or summer job, they can learn how to budget and then track their progress.
To keep them motivated, you can offer incentives for when they reach new levels with their savings goal. It can be something small like an ice cream cone if they are younger, or you can offer to pitch in a defined dollar amount once they have reached a certain percentage of their goal.
Saving in a 529 plan
Let your children know you are saving for their college and career training. You don’t need to share the dollar amount saved in your 529 account, but you should set your expectations with them–that they will be continuing their education after high school.
Research from the Institute for Higher Education Policy shows that when children know that there are college savings set aside for them, they are much more likely to expect to attend college. In fact, children with $1-$499 in college savings are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate than those with no savings.
529 plans are for whatever school comes after high school for your children and grandchildren. Funds in a 529 account can be used tax-free for qualified higher education expenses at four-year colleges or universities, two-year community colleges, trade or vocational schools, apprenticeships, or certificate programs. So, your children can go to a school where their interests, talents, and skills lie.
To learn more about 529 plans, visit My State’s 529 Plan on College Savings Plans Network’s website to learn about all the tax advantages and benefits of saving in your home state’s 529 college and career training program.
About the author:
Trisha Good is the executive director of Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. Since 1989, Ohio Tuition Trust Authority has sponsored and administered Ohio’s 529 College Savings Program, CollegeAdvantage. Ohio’s 529 Plan oversees more than 678,700 accounts and over $18.2 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024. Visit CollegeAdvantage.com or call 1-800-AFFORD-IT (233-6734) for more information.
By Regina Carmon, Sr. Director, Tuition Financing Relationship Manager
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?
- 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.
- 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).
- Control: As the account owner, you maintain control over the funds earmarked for an intended purpose.
- 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 Devon Copeland, Senior Communications Associate, Invest529
January 7, 2025
As we enter 2025, many people are examining their spending habits more closely. Beyond balancing budgets, there’s a growing focus on making financial decisions that reflect their values and support what matters most—family, education, and a secure future.
For parents, grandparents, and guardians, investing in education is one of the most meaningful ways to align finances with purpose. Whether you’re preparing for a child’s college tuition, a trade school certification, or even your own professional development, a 529 account offers a flexible, tax-advantaged way to save for education expenses.
Here’s how a 529 account can help you meet your 2025 financial goals while staying true to your values:
1. Put Your Money Where Your Priorities Are
529 accounts are more than just savings tools—they’re a commitment to education and lifelong learning. In 2025, a 529 account can be a purposeful way to invest in the future you want to see for your family.
Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks (if required by the syllabus), and even student loan repayment in some cases. By contributing to a 529 account, you’re making a choice to empower opportunities and break down financial barriers to education.
2. Stay Flexible with Education Plans
Education looks different for everyone, and a 529 account recognizes that. Funds can be used for a variety of post-high school pathways, including trade schools, community colleges, four-year universities, and registered apprenticeships.
Not sure what the future holds? No problem. 529 accounts allow for beneficiary changes, meaning if one child doesn’t use the funds, you can transfer them to another family member—or even to yourself if you’re planning a career pivot or learning opportunity.
3. Let Your Money Work Smarter for You
Saving in a 529 account offers tax advantages that let your contributions grow more efficiently. Earnings are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses, and some states, like Virginia, offer state income tax deductions for contributions.
Think of it this way: Every dollar saved in a 529 is a dollar you won’t have to borrow with interest later. This not only protects your budget but also supports financial independence for the next generation.
4. Start Small, Dream Big
One of the best things about a 529 account is its accessibility. You don’t need to make large contributions to make a significant impact. Small, consistent contributions—whether monthly or annually—can add up significantly over time.
If you’re looking for ways to engage friends and family in your savings journey, consider encouraging them to contribute to your 529 account instead of giving traditional gifts. Many plans allow you to send gift links for easy contributions.
5. Take Advantage of the Present
In 2025, don’t wait to start saving because you feel like you’re behind. Whether your child is in diapers, middle school, or nearing graduation, it’s never too late to make progress. Start with what you can today—every bit counts.
By prioritizing a 529 account, you’re not just saving money but creating a legacy of learning, empowerment, and financial stability.
Make 2025 a Year of Intentional Choices
The new year offers individuals and families an opportunity to focus on financial decisions that align with what matters most. Opening or contributing to a 529 account isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about investing in opportunities, dreams, and the values you hold dear.
About the Author
Devon Copeland is the senior communications associate with Invest529. Invest529 makes education more accessible and affordable for families and individuals. The program is administered by Commonwealth Savers Plan, which oversees education 529 saving programs with more than $110.7 billion assets under management and 3.1 million accounts as of November 30, 2024, making it the largest 529 plan in the nation. For more information on Invest529’s education savings options, visit Virginia529.com or call 1-888-567-0540 to obtain program materials.
By Michelle Winner, Director of Marketing, Maryland 529
It seems like the holidays and family traditions go hand in hand. For the past 10 years, my husband and I have spent Christmas Eve watching Elf with our two daughters, and we enjoy a family bowling match with my father the day after Christmas. I’m not sure how these activities evolved into a yearly tradition, but they are always filled with so much joy and laughter that I can’t imagine spending either day doing anything else.
Another tradition that may not sound as fun as watching a movie or playing a game is discussing our financial goals for the upcoming new year. Can we afford to take a family vacation? Are we anticipating any major expenses – replacing our roof, purchasing a new car, etc.? What is the health of our emergency fund should there be an unexpected job loss? While most of this discussion is between my husband and me, one thing we make sure we do with our daughters is to review their 529 plan account balances. We started including them in this conversation when they were in middle school and started talking about their “dream” colleges. We explained how we were saving for their future education with a 529 plan, but if the cost of the college they wanted to attend exceeded the balance in their 529 plan, they would have to take out a loan. While it was a somewhat simplistic explanation at the time, it was enough to help them understand the basic concept that you can’t spend more than what you have without consequences. When it came time for them to start applying to colleges, knowing how much money they had in their accounts helped them decide which colleges they could attend without incurring student loan debt, a burden they now see many of their friends shouldering.
So, as you spend the holidays engaging in your favorite family traditions, consider adding one more tradition: including your children in their education savings journey. Even if high school graduation may be years ahead for your children, it’s never too early to start teaching them the basics of fiscal responsibility. Not sure where to begin? Here are some resources to help get you started:
New to college savings? This article
includes expert insights from a T. Rowe Price thought leadership director that can help you build your college savings plan strategy.
Money Confident Kids is a great resource for helping middle school and high school students learn and understand the basics of saving, spending, and investing.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Commission (FDIC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) provide different types of free financial education materials for pre-kindergarten through college students.
Wishing you a happy and fiscally healthy New Year!
About the author:
Michelle Winner is the Director of Marketing for Maryland 529, a division of the Maryland State Treasurer’s Office that oversees the Maryland College Investment Plan, the Maryland Prepaid College Trust, and Maryland ABLE. Michelle also serves as Co-Chair of the Communications Committee for the College Savings Plans Network.
By: South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, Administrator of Future Scholar College Savings Plan
December 17, 2024
It goes fast, doesn’t it? Just when you’re comfortable with the back-to-school routine, here come the holidays. Take a deep breath and enjoy the season – 2024 version.
But once the decorations are packed up and the wrapping paper is in the trash, I hope you’ll set aside a few moments to get ready for a very different kind of season: tax time. You’ll want to be sure to close out the year strong to be in the best situation when tax day rolls around.
Timing is everything
Taxes are usually due on April 15th of each year – unless the day falls on a weekend. However, this tax season will be different for some states. Because of the devastation of Hurricane Helene, all of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and my state of South Carolina will have their taxes due on May 1, 2025. In addition, parts of Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia will have also have their taxes due on May 1, 2025.
Get motivated
Begin by estimating your federal income tax bill for the year. You can find your tax bracket and standard deduction information on the IRS website. Your federal tax estimate will motivate you to consider using a win-win strategy that can lower your state tax bill.
Save for the win
One of the best moves you can make to subtract from your state tax bill actually involves adding to your own education savings. By contributing to your 529 college savings account, you could reap the benefits of state tax incentives now. More than thirty states and the District of Columbia offer tax incentives to families who save with a 529 plan. These states allow families to deduct at least some percentage of their contributions from their taxable income. Four more states offer tax credits a family can use to offset state income taxes.
The tax savings can be significant. South Carolina allows residents to deduct 100% of the amount they contribute to Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 plan, on their SC state income tax return. It’s an excellent benefit for the citizens of my state. Review your plan to find out if you can benefit from tax savings, too.
Deadlines matter
Of course, there’s no deadline to contribute to your 529 account. However, if you want your contributions to qualify for tax savings for your 2024 tax returns, you’ll need to know your state’s deadline. Most states will have a deadline of December 31, 2024, to claim a deduction on your 2024 state income tax returns, but a few states, like South Carolina, allow contributions to be made until taxes are due. Be sure to consult your plan to determine the deadline for contributing funds you can claim on your 2024 return.
Be a front loader
The IRS has a special gifting feature that will allow a larger amount of money to be given at one time. Called frontloading or super funding, this feature gives your funds the ability to compound for a longer time than they would if you were making regular annual contributions.
Through frontloading, your 529 plan may be funded up to the 2024 annual exclusion of $18,000 for a single person or $36,000 for a married couple. When you front-load, you contribute a one-time gift of the amount that is usually allowed over five years – without paying gift taxes.
With frontloading, a single person can contribute $90,000 per child in one year and enjoy the benefits of compounding interest on a larger amount. The contribution will be removed from the contributor’s taxable estate and treated by the IRS as if $18,000 were given per year for five years. Of course, any contributions made beyond this amount over the five years could be subject to federal taxes. A financial professional can help you decide if front-loading could work for your family and your financial situation.
Earmark your refund
Expecting a tax refund in 2025? Decide today to use it to invest in your child’s future education. Earmark it for a lump sum contribution to boost your 529 college savings. That way, you know you’re using it for something meaningful.
Appreciate your genius
While you’re enjoying the last few days of 2024, take a minute to appreciate how wise your decision to save with a 529 account really is. You’re saving for college tax-free, and when the time comes to use those 529 funds to pay for qualified education expenses like tuition, books, computers, and room and board, you’ll be withdrawing your funds tax-free, too. Congratulations – genius move.
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.
Thanksgiving break is coming up, giving college students a chance to recharge. Whether they’re heading home, staying on campus, or traveling, it’s also a great time to get a few things done to benefit them in the long run.
5 things you can encourage your college student to do over Thanksgiving break:
- Catch Up on Sleep and Self-Care
Your student needs rest after weeks of late-night study sessions and juggling responsibilities. Encourage them to use the break to get plenty of sleep, take walks, eat well, and focus on self-care. This downtime will help them recharge and finish the semester strong.
- Reconnect with Family and Friends
Thanksgiving is the perfect time for your student to reconnect with loved ones. Whether sharing a meal with family or catching up with old friends, encourage them to take advantage of this break to strengthen those meaningful relationships. It’s a great reminder of the support they have.
- Get Ready for Finals
With final exams approaching, this break is a good time for your student to get organized. Suggest they review syllabi, create a study plan, and gather their notes. A little prep now will help reduce stress when finals week arrives, giving them more confidence to perform their best.
- Review Their Finances
Thanksgiving is a good time for your student to take stock of their finances. Whether managing spending, reviewing financial aid, or planning for upcoming expenses, this is an opportunity to develop better financial habits and set up a budget for the rest of the school year.
- Reflect and Set Goals for Next Semester
Encourage your student to use the break to reflect on how the semester has gone so far. What went well, and what areas could use improvement? Setting goals for the next semester—whether boosting grades, joining new activities, or creating better routines—can help them start the spring with a clear focus.
Thanksgiving break offers a valuable chance for your college student to rest, reconnect, and get organized. While they enjoy their time at home, encouraging a balance of relaxation and productivity will help them return to campus ready to tackle the rest of the semester.
About the author:
Eric Bennett is the editor for College Countdown, a website maintained by ScholarShare 529 for families with college-bound kids. Eric has over three decades of experience in higher education managing recruitment and marketing, financial aid, and student development at three universities from Georgia to California to New York City.
By Jeremy Rogers, Director, New York 529 College Savings Program
November 12, 2024
Growing up there was never any real doubt in my mind that I wanted to serve in the military after high school. While college was always something that I figured could be an option down the road, it never really felt like a path I would go to right away. While this was mostly due to my desire to serve our country, the concern around costs to attend college was a factor. Growing up in rural Illinois, the costs of higher education always felt like too much of a hurdle for my family.
Looking back there was only one time that I really took a step back to re-think my decision to enlist in the Navy. That was when my father offered to sell our 80 acres of farmland to pay for college. The weight of that offer was immense to me as a teenager and truly made me rethink my plans. While he rented the land to a neighbor, it represented my father’s dream of someday farming his own land after years of working as a mechanic and retiring from the Army reserve. For him to be willing to give up that dream so that I could attend college right out of high school really highlighted the lengths that parents will go to provide for their children’s future, and the sacrifice he was willing to make for my future. While this offer caused significant internal reflection, I ultimately knew that serving in the military was the right decision for me.
Following my time in the service, and after giving a few different careers a try, I ultimately utilized the Post 9/11 GI Bill to attend college as a full-time student. Becoming the first person in my family to receive a bachelor’s degree felt like an incredible accomplishment, but it wasn’t without struggles. As anyone who has utilized the GI Bill knows, it offers amazing benefits and covers most of the major higher education expenses, but there are still costs that veterans or their family will have to cover. For example, the GI Bill provides $1,000 per year for books and supplies, which can be used up quickly if you are taking a full course load. Additionally, the GI Bill only provides 36 months of benefits, so while it covered all my undergraduate work, I still needed to take out student loans when I went back to school for an MBA. This is where savings in a 529 account can supplement the benefits that veterans’ or their families receive from the GI Bill.
This Veterans Day I strongly encourage my fellow veterans to explore the benefits that their service earned them, especially the GI Bill, if available to them. Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
‒ President John F. Kennedy
About the Author
Jeremy Rogers is the Director of the New York 529 College Savings Program (NY 529) and previously served as a Nuclear Machinist Mate in the United States Navy. NY 529 includes the nation’s largest direct-sold program, New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan, which has over $43.7 billion in assets under management across nearly 1.1 million accounts, as of September 30, 2024. For more information visit nysaves.org or call 1-877-NYSAVES (1-877-697-2837).
By Rachel Biar, Deputy State Treasurer for Savings Programs, Nebraska
October 29, 2024
Saving for higher education expenses may seem like an overwhelming task for individuals and families alike. A few of the most common and fundamental questions we encounter are: How much should I save? Where should I start? Can my family help?
To help conquer some of these most pressing concerns, let’s talk about the top savings challenges you and your family may face—and tips to help overcome them.
“It’s hard to get started.”
Saving for higher education is an investment in the future, and I think you’ll be surprised just how simple it can be to get started with a 529 savings plan. 529 plans provide options for every level of investor. For most plans, there is no minimum amount needed to open a 529 account and there are no hidden fees you need to watch out for. Once you’ve opened your account, you will be able to contribute when it fits your budget schedule, and you will have access to your account giving you the flexibility to monitor your progress along the way.
“I don’t know how much to save.”
Mapping out a budget can help you get started and assist you with your savings goals. Additionally, most 529 plans offer a College Savings Planning Calculator. This tool provides savings projections tailored to your specific goals so that you can determine your contributions and save with confidence. One of the great benefits of saving with a 529 account is that you choose the amount to save in a way that best works for you while working toward your financial goals.
“I don’t have enough time.”
Life is busy, and we and our budgets often get pulled in many directions. When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment, and realize it’s never too late to start saving for education costs. Sometimes just starting is all you need to do. Begin saving as early as it fits into your budget and try to save as often as possible to be prepared for the expenses associated with higher education. Setting up an automatic monthly contribution is a terrific way to keep your savings goals focused.
“It’s hard to do it alone.”
With a 529 account, it’s easy for you to invite family and friends to join in your savings journey. Loved ones can help boost your savings efforts by using free online gifting services provided by your 529 plan or by using 529 gift cards. These options are user-friendly and typically do not require added fees. It’s okay to be transparent with friends and family members about savings goals. Don’t be afraid to ask loved ones to consider sending gift contributions for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. You might be thrilled how happy they are to help you!
As the costs of higher education continue to rise, it can ignite fears for anyone. It is increasingly necessary for all of us to be aware of the diverse options available to finance educational expenses like tuition, room and board, books, supplies and more. For all those looking to pursue higher education, we are with you and here to help every step of the way. 529 savings plans are a useful and simple savings method offering easy enrollment, flexible contribution setup, tax advantages and ongoing account management.
Fear can have a significant impact on life and your financial success. Are you ready to defeat your higher education financing fears? All of us who work with 529 savings plans are here for you! We are dedicated to helping you make saving for college less scary, and we are here to help you continue working towards your higher education savings goals. Don’t let fear hold you back. Start saving with a 529 plan today!
About the author
Rachel Biar is Deputy State Treasurer for Savings Programs in Nebraska and serves as Past Chair of the College Savings Plans Network. In her role she serves as the Director for the NEST 529 Education Savings Program. The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) provides four plans: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, the NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan, and the State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as the Program Trustee. Union Bank & Trust serves as the Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using the NEST 529 plans, which have $7.2 billion in assets and 300,000 accounts. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.
James Diossa, General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island
September 24, 2024
September is College Savings Month! With the cost of higher education rising at an unprecedented rate, it’s never too early to start saving for your child’s future.
As someone who grew up in a working-class family, I understand the challenges that many people can face. My parents did not have the opportunity to attend college. They immigrated to Rhode Island, motivated by a dream of a better life for their family, worked endless hours in low-paying jobs, and instilled the value of education in me. However, they couldn’t put money aside for my higher education. I was on my own and had to rely on loans to pursue my college education.
After graduating from Central Falls High School, I attended the Community College of Rhode Island before transferring to Becker College. There, I was able to become the first in my family to receive a college diploma. While this was a very special milestone, with that diploma came with tens of thousands of dollars in debt that I continue to pay to this day.
This is why, as the General Treasurer of the State of Rhode Island, I want to ensure that a student’s dream of pursuing a higher education is not deferred by financial challenges.
Thankfully, with 529 plans across the country, families can save for their children’s future educational goals. These plans allow for families to save for education in an easy, flexible, and tax advantaged way. The money you invest into a 529 plan can be used for the cost of colleges, universities, trade and vocational schools, and even apprenticeship programs. These savings can be used for more than just tuition, room, and board. You can use your savings for other expenses like books, computers, and other related expenses. You don’t need a lot of money to get started. In fact, even setting aside a few dollars a month can make a big difference over the course of several years.
By using a 529 plan to invest in your child’s education today, you will be building a pathway to opportunity for them tomorrow. I urge you to visit https://www.collegesavings.org/529-search-and-comparison for more information.
About the author:
James Diossa is the General Treasurer of the State of Rhode Island. As General Treasurer and Chair of the State Investment Commission, he serves as the administrator of Rhode Island’s two 529 plans, CollegeBound 529 and CollegeBound Saver. Visit collegeboundsaver.com for more information on ways to save through a 529 plan.