Trusted insights, analysis and guides from the expert team at Kiplinger.
Sometimes also called qualified tuition programs, 529 plans take their name from a section in the IRS'Code and are administered by individual states and some private financial institutions. Their main advantage: 529 investmentsgrowfree from federal or state tax. While originally conceived as a way to save for college, 529 plan funds can now go to a wider array of programs and institutions. There are no age limits for recipients and money can be held in the plans indefinitely. If you'd like to know more about whether a 529 plan is right for you, the different rules and how to set one up, our guides and features should give you all the information you need.
Latest
529 Plans: Everything You Need to Know About Saving for College
529 Plans529 plans offer considerable convenience and potential tax savings when putting money aside for education. That said, there are still a range of rules you’ll need to know (and follow).
By Elaine SilvestriniLast updated
529 Plans
529s: No Longer the Ho-Hum Investing Device for College
Changes to the plans allow for the savings to be rolled into a Roth IRA, as long as certain rules are met, if a child decides not to pursue their education.
By Neale Godfrey, Financial Literacy ExpertPublished
529 Plans: Give the Gift of Education (and Compounding)
As the cost of college tuition skyrockets, parents and grandparents can take advantage of tax-efficient 529 plans and higher limits on gift and estate taxes.
By Mel Casey, CFA®, CAIAPublished
529 Plan Contribution Deadlines
529 PlansMany states have year-end deadlines for making 529 college savings plan contributions.
By Kelley R. TaylorLast updated
529 Plans
Have Leftover 529 Funds? Expert Strategies for Unused Balances
Excess 529 funds represent both a challenge and an opportunity, and knowing your options is essential.
By Marguerita ChengPublished
Using a 529 Plan? Here’s What to Keep in Mind
As the school year progresses, ensure you’re using the money for qualified expenses and keeping track of documentation. Taxes and options for unused funds are also considerations.
By Julie Virta, CFP®, CFA, CTFAPublished
Three Reasons You Need to Use a 529 Plan (and Two Reasons You Don't)
Tax benefits and a new Roth IRA feature make 529 college savings plans attractive, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all option.
By Shane W. Cummings, CFP®, AIF®Published
529 Plans Get a Boost With Tax-Free Rollovers to Roth IRAs
You’ll soon be able to roll over funds from your 529 plan into a Roth IRA, thanks to recent legislation.
By Erin BendigPublished
When Choosing Funds for Your College 529 Plan, Don’t Make This Mistake
529 PlansAge-based funds make sense for some retirement savers, but they rarely make sense for college savers, in my opinion. Here’s why.
By Michael Aloi, CFP®Last updated
529 Plans
