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General Information

SMART529 WV Direct College Savings Plan
The West Virginia SMART529 WV Direct College Savings Plan, available on a direct basis to those who meet certain West Virginia residency requirements, features a menu of age-based and static portfolio options utilizing index funds from Vanguard as well as an Invesco stable value portfolio option. Accounts can be linked to the Upromise rewards service.
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.
Close
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.
Close
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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5 of 5
- Program typeSavings
- Inception2002
- State agencyState Treasurer's Office under the authority of the West Virginia College Prepaid Tuition and Savings Program Board of Trustees
- Tax deduction
- Program ManagerHartford Funds Management Company, LLC
- Program distributorHartford Funds Distributors, LLC
Investors in SMART529 WV Direct College Savings Plan 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.
Portfolio | E.R.ix Expense Ratio Close | % Equity | 1YR Performance | Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|
SMART529 WV Direct Age-Based 0-3 | 0.12% | 100% | 11.32% | N/A |
SMART529 WV Direct Age-Based 7-9 | 0.12% | 70% | 11.16% | N/A |
SMART529 WV Direct Age-Based 12-13 | 0.13% | 49% | 9.74% | N/A |
SMART529 WV Direct Age-Based 17 | 0.19% | 20% | 5.65% | N/A |
SMART529 WV Direct Age-Based 4-6 (originally 0-8) | 0.12% | 83% | 11.58% | 8 of 35 |
SMART529 WV Direct Age-Based 10-11 (originally 9-13) | 0.13% | 60% | 10.68% | 12 of 46 |
SMART529 WV Direct Age-Based 14-15 | 0.13% | 40% | 9.22% | 18 of 120 |
SMART529 WV Direct Age-Based 18+ | 0.2% | 12% | 4.29% | 5 of 122 |
SMART529 WV Direct Age-Based 16 (originally 16-17) | 0.18% | 30% | 6.78% | 2 of 78 |
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 | % Equity | 1YR Performance | Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|
SMART529 WV Direct Aggressive Growth Portfolio | 0.12% | 100% | 11.34% | 99 of 235 |
SMART529 WV Direct Conservative Balanced Portfolio | 0.18% | 30% | 6.91% | 1 of 39 |
SMART529 WV Direct Conservative Bond Portfolio | 0.19% | 0% | 3.74% | 3 of 70 |
SMART529 WV Direct Growth Portfolio | 0.12% | 83% | 11.49% | 84 of 235 |
SMART529 WV Direct Balanced Portfolio | 0.13% | 60% | 10.66% | 22 of 52 |
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.
Portfolio | E.R.ix Expense Ratio Close | % Equity | 1YR Performance | Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|
The SMART529 Stable Value Fund | 0.22% | 0% | 2.08% | 10 of 68 |
The SMART529 500 Index Fund | 0.12% | 100% | 15.06% | 15 of 235 |
Use the form below to filter through the investment options in this plan
Child age
Max Expense Ratio:2.5%
0