Featured 529 Plan Articles

New tax law brings big changes to 529 plans
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes a small provision that would allow 529 plans to be used for K-12 tuition, and allow rollovers into ABLE accounts.
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GOP bill would eliminate Coverdell ESAs and make 529s more flexible
Learn how proposals included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could change 529 plans and Coverdell ESAs, and how it might affect your college savings strategy.
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Private College 529 and college savings plans: A perfect pair
The Private College 529 Plan can be an excellent complement to a 529 savings plan. Here’s how using these two vehicles together can help maximize savings.
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Understanding 529 expenses
An explanation of the four major categories of 529 plan fees and expenses and how to compare between plans.
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Using multiple 529 plans
There are several reasons why someone might want to open accounts in more than one 529 plan.
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Investing trends of 529 college savers
Find out how other 529 account owners are investing in their plans, and learn some best practices to help you make better choices for your own 529 plan investments.
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Can I use my 529 plan to buy electronics?
A question that’s been on the minds of families for some time now is whether or not “supplies and equipment” includes electronics such as computers, smartphones and tablets.
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Making the right year-end moves
December 31 is fast approaching. If you haven't yet completed your year-end 529 housekeeping, now is the time to do it. This checklist should help:
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5 ways to judge your 529 plan's performance
You expect excellent investment results from your 529 plan, but how do you really know? Here are five approaches to help you judge your 529 plan's investment performance.
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[PODCAST] Getting started with a 529 plan - Step 1: Finding the best plan
529 accounts are relatively simple to set up, but with over 100+ different options available, even the most savvy investors are sometimes left wondering where to begin. In this new podcast series, we discuss the steps to take when setting up a new 529 college savings account.
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VIDEO - What happens to my 529 plan money if my child gets a scholarship?
Parents are sometimes hesitant to open a 529 account for their child because they are afraid of incurring penalties on any unused funds. However, there are some exceptions to the to the penalty rule:
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7 reasons why mutual funds don't work so well for college
Here are seven reasons why 529s will almost always beat taxable investments—even index funds and other so-called tax-efficient funds—provided the money is eventually used for college.
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7 steps to enrolling in a 529 plan
Considering college savings options? These seven steps lead you through the ease of establishing a 529 plan.
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College Savings Current Events
An up-to-date listing of promotions, events, and contests being offered by states and their 529 programs.
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Q & A on 5-Cap Ratings
Savingforcollege.com's 5-Cap Ratings of 529 plans have been one of our website's most visible, enduring and unique features.
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Maximizing your 529 savings opportunities in 2013
If you are the parent or grandparent of a child under the age of 18, be sure your list of resolutions for this year includes efforts to increase your college savings fund.
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3 reasons why 529 plans are cutting fees
College savings plans across the country are becoming more affordable as 529 expenses are being reduced. Here are three reasons why 529 plan companies are reducing plan fees and how participants can take advantage.
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4 ways to boost your 529 without going broke
If your financial picture has improved or if you've decided to cut back to put more into 529 plan, here are three ways you could boost your college savings contributions by 15 to 20 percent in a year.
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529 distributions: 4 approaches to take
Spending the money you've saved for college is more complicated than you might think, especially if you've got the money invested in different assets. Here are four options to think about when taking 529 plan distributions.
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Protect your 529 plan against major life events
To help mitigate the effects of a major life change on your 529 plan, consider making these tweaks to your financial life.
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5 blunders by first-time 529 plan spenders
When using 529 monies for the first time, you'll want to avoid these common blunders, some of which could affect your taxes.
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Make up for lost savings in your 529 plan
For parents who need to make up years of savings fast, here are four last-minute places to find cash for your 529 plan.
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Best 529 plan strategy? Use other people's money
Here are five strategies to get a little extra cash for your kid's 529 plans without denting your own bank account.
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4 factors when tapping a 529 plan in retirement
f you're thinking about going back to school when you retire and are interested in funding a 529 plan, here are some factors to consider.
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Match play: Some states kick in 529 plan dollars
Matching-grant programs chip in money for every college dollar that plan holders contribute up to a certain benchmark in our 529 plan. Here's how to get your hands on the free loot.
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Will state budget cuts hamper 529 plans?
State budget cuts shouldn't significantly impact the administration and marketing of 529 college savings plans, but programs to entice families to open 529 plans or increase their contributions might take a hit in states where the budget has come under the knife.
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Taking baby steps toward a 529 plan
An early 529 plan can solve the dilemma some parents face about what age to start saving for college because they're deciding from birth to set aside money that will be used 18 years down the road.
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How to make sure divorce doesn't disrupt a 529 plan
Without careful planning, an ex-spouse could potentially drain a 529 account, leaving your child with fewer options for his or her college education.
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3 safe and secure 529 plan investment options
Guaranteed options and stable value offerings can provide substantial security for your savings, but don't expect big returns from these choices. Here's what you need to know about your options so that you can make an informed decision for your 529 plan.
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