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General Information

Bright Start Direct-Sold College Savings Program
Union Bank & Trust Company succeeded Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. as program manager of the Bright Start College Savings Program in July 2017. The Illinois direct-sold Plan features three age-based options using either a multi-firm or index-based strategy, three target portfolios, three index target portfolios and individual fund portfolios from a number of fund families.
Our RatingixThis is a program that offers outstanding flexibility, attractive investments, and additional economic benefits (such as generous state tax incentives) that for some people, at least, will provide a substantial boost to their savings. There are few, if any, weaknesses noted in the program.Close
This is a program that offers outstanding flexibility, attractive investments, and additional economic benefits (such as generous state tax incentives) that for some people, at least, will provide a substantial boost to their savings. There are few, if any, weaknesses noted in the program.
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5 of 5
Fee ScoreixThe fee score is derived from the analysis of costs done as part of Savingforcollege.com's 5-Cap Rating. This analysis compares total average asset-based expenses of the plan to other 529 savings plans. See the methodology for more information.Close
The fee score is derived from the analysis of costs done as part of Savingforcollege.com's 5-Cap Rating. This analysis compares total average asset-based expenses of the plan to other 529 savings plans. See the methodology for more information.
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5 of 5
PerformanceixThe performance score is derived from the analysis of performance as part of Savingforcollege.com’s 5-Cap Rating. See the methodology for more information.Close
The performance score is derived from the analysis of performance as part of Savingforcollege.com’s 5-Cap Rating. See the methodology for more information.
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4.5 of 5
- Program typeSavings
- Inception2000, but substantially changed in July 2007 and again in July 2017.
- State agencyIllinois State Treasurer
- Tax deduction
- Program ManagerUnion Bank & Trust Company
- Program distributorUnion Bank & Trust Company
Investors in Bright Start Direct-Sold College Savings Program can select from the following investment options. Click on a portfolio name for more information.
Use the form below to filter through the investment options in this plan
Child age
Max Expense Ratio:2.5%
0
Age Based Investment Options
Sometimes referred to as the enrollment-based option, this is an investment approach where your asset allocation is programmed to change over time. Accounts for young beneficiaries are invested aggressively and accounts for beneficiaries with college right around the corner are invested much more conservatively. In some 529 plans, the age-based option operates by automatically transferring your investment from one static portfolio to another at certain points in time. Others utilize lifecycle funds or employ lifecycle-type tactics within the portfolio containing your investment so that it is not necessary to transfer your investment between portfolios.
Static Investment Options
This refers to an investment option that is not programmed to change over time. The individual fund portfolio and multi-fund portfolio described below are static options. So are many portfolios that do not use mutual funds, such as stable-value options, guaranteed options, CD options, etc.
Portfolio | E.R.ix Expense Ratio Close | %Â Equity | 1YR Performance | Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|
Index Equity Portfolio | 0.11% | 100% | 15.51% | 120 of 235 |
Index Balanced Portfolio | 0.13% | 60% | 13.48% | 26 of 52 |
Index Fixed Income Portfolio | 0.14% | 0% | 2.93% | 9 of 70 |
Equity Portfolio | 0.45% | 100% | 14.38% | 147 of 235 |
Balanced Portfolio | 0.43% | 60% | 7.06% | 1 of 52 |
Fixed Income Portfolio | 0.26% | 0% | 3.03% | 6 of 70 |
Individual Investment Options
Sometimes called a single-fund option, this is a portfolio invested in a single mutual fund. Often the name of the 529 portfolio is very similar to the name of the underlying mutual fund. A large number of broker-sold 529s offer an extensive line-up of individual fund options, while a smaller number of direct-sold 529s offer them.
Use the form below to filter through the investment options in this plan
Child age
Max Expense Ratio:2.5%
0