SAVE FOR COLLEGE

Looking to save for college?
Take a number – the number 529 to be exact.College Savings Accounts, or 529s as they’re nicknamed (after the IRS tax code), have becomeall the rage in recent years. So what are they? And what options do you have when using a 529to save for your child’s college education?529s come in two major forms. The first is a pre-paid tuition program. This option allows you topay any amount of future college costs at today’s current tuition rate. With risingcollege costs, this plan may fit you best.The other type of 529 is the state college savings plan. Every state in the U.S.has a college savings plan, which allows you to put money into a private savingsaccount. The account is managed by a state-approved financial institution andcomes with a variety of investment options. Each month you can add money toyour account, even directly from your paycheck if you wish. Certain plans havecertain limits do the amount you can contribute but the account allows taxdeferred growth and in some states you can even receive a tax break for usingthe accounts.529s allow you to take out an account in your name and then name a beneficiaryto the account, the beneficiary will eventually receive the money for apost-secondary education. Another added convenience is that you can alwayschange the person’s name who receives the benefit in case one of your childrendecides not to attend college.Different states have different plans and options and each option offers youchoices. Some funds are filled with a variety of mutual funds that are activelymanaged. Others are more diversified in their investments and are not asactively managed or traded.Both types of 529s come with pros and cons depending on your financialsituation and how much you wish to invest. Whenever making major financialdecisions, it’s best to contact your financial planner to figure out what best fitsyour needs.If you have children, it’s safe to say they will someday attend college. Manypeople forget that sending children through college is just as expensive andimportant as purchasing a home. It is also one of the most importantinvestments you will make in a lifetime.Calling your financial planner as soon as possible is a wise choice if you are looking for collegesavings options or have questions on the details of the accounts. The only thing left to do isremember the number.529. And you don’t even have to remember an area code.