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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.

Saving for education has always been important, but today, it’s becoming essential.

With rising tuition costs, increasing student debt concerns, and a growing emphasis on financial wellness, families and employers alike are rethinking how they approach education savings. At the center of that conversation? The 529 plan.

At Vestwell, we’re seeing a clear shift: more states, employers, and financial institutions are prioritizing accessible, digital-first education savings solutions that meet people where they are. And 529 plans are evolving right alongside that demand.

Let’s break down why 529 accounts remain such a powerful tool and why their role is expanding.

The Big One: Tax-Free Growth

529 plans offer one of the most compelling advantages in long-term saving: tax-free growth.

Your contributions can grow and earnings are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses like tuition, books, fees, and even certain room and board withdrawals are completely tax-free at the federal level (and often at the state level, too).

Over time, that tax efficiency can make a meaningful difference, helping families keep more of what they’ve saved and invested working for them.

A Growing Patchwork of State Benefits

While federal tax advantages are consistent, state-level incentives add another layer of value.

Many states offer tax deductions or credits for 529 contributions, effectively rewarding families for investing in education. As more states modernize their programs and expand access, these benefits are becoming a key driver of adoption.

Programs like those powered by Vestwell, including partnerships such as Embark in Oregon, which offers a refundable state income tax credit, and VT529, which also offers a state income tax credit, are helping bring these benefits to more families through streamlined, user-friendly platforms.

A Powerful Gifting and Estate Planning Strategy

529 plans aren’t just savings vehicles: they’re also highly effective estate planning tools.

In 2026, individuals can contribute up to $19,000 per beneficiary annually without triggering gift taxes. For those looking to accelerate savings, “superfunding” allows contributors to front-load five years’ worth of gifts:

This strategy gives investments more time to grow while potentially reducing taxable estate exposure, all while maintaining control of the account.

More Flexibility Than Ever Before

One of the biggest misconceptions about 529 plans is that they’re rigid. In reality, they’ve become increasingly flexible, especially following recent policy updates.

Thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act, unused funds can now serve another purpose. If certain conditions are met, up to $35,000 can be rolled into a beneficiary’s Roth IRA.

That means education savings can double as a launchpad for long-term financial security, even if plans change.

Expanding Access Through Employers

One of the most important shifts we’re seeing today is the growing role of employers in education savings.

Forward-thinking organizations are beginning to offer education savings benefits as part of their broader financial wellness strategy, recognizing that student debt and future education costs are top concerns for employees. Some states offer state tax incentives to businesses that contribute to employees’ 529 plans.  

This is a major step forward in making 529 plans more widely adopted.

Designed for Accessibility

Another reason 529 plans continue to gain traction: they’re built for broad accessibility.

As platforms modernize and onboarding becomes more digital and intuitive, barriers to entry are falling. That’s a critical part of expanding participation nationwide for families that need these saving opportunities the most.

The Bottom Line: Why This Matters Now

529 plans have always been a smart way to save, but today, they’re becoming part of a much bigger ecosystem.

As education costs rise and financial wellness takes center stage, the way people save is changing. Families want flexibility. Employers want to offer meaningful benefits. States want scalable, modern programs.

529 plans sit at the intersection of all three.

At Vestwell, we believe the future of education savings lies in accessible, technology-driven solutions that expand opportunity for everyone, from individuals opening their first account to families that have been saving for years.

If you’re thinking about how to plan for education, whether as a family, employer, or partner, now is the time to act.

Learn more about how modern 529 programs are evolving at Vestwell and nationwide at CSPN. 

About the author:

David Bell is Senior Vice President of Program Management at Vestwell, where he leads Education Savings. This includes 529 plans, Child Savings Accounts and Emergency Savings Accounts. Prior to joining Vestwell, David was the Deputy Director at the Oregon State Treasury where he helped lead the state’s savings programs. David’s work at Vestwell helps to make savings more accessible for individuals, families and historically underserved communities.