A 529 account is a type of investment account that is specifically designed for education savings. This account offers a number of benefits for parents and grandparents who are looking to save for their children or grandchildren’s future education costs. These are the benefits of 529 accounts for children.
- Tax Advantages
One of the biggest benefits of a 529 account is the tax advantages it provides. Depending on the states, some contributions to a 529 account are tax-deductible, and the money in the account grows tax-free. Withdrawals from a 529 account are also tax-free, as long as they are used to pay for qualified education expenses such as tuition, books, and room and board. This means that the money in a 529 account can grow significantly over time, giving you more money to pay for your child’s education. Contributions to a 529 account are not federally tax deductible.
- Easy to Use
529 accounts are also very easy to use. Unlike other types of investment accounts, 529 accounts are straightforward and simple to manage. You can typically open a 529 account online in just a few minutes, and you can manage the account through an online portal. Additionally, many states offer automatic investment plans that make it easy to regularly add money to the account.
- Flexible
Another benefit of 529 accounts is their flexibility. You can use the money in a 529 account to pay for a wide range of educational expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, and more. Additionally, if your child decides not to attend college, you can change the beneficiary of the account to another family member, or you can even use the money to pay for your own education.
- Low-Cost
529 accounts are also a low-cost way to save for education. Unlike other types of investment accounts, 529 accounts typically have low fees and expenses, making them an attractive option for families who want to save as much money as possible for their children’s education. It is important to do your due diligence because some 529 accounts have better investment options with lower costs than other 529 accounts. Additionally, many states offer tax credits or other incentives to encourage families to save in a 529 account, which can help to offset the costs of saving for education.
- Federally Insured (Well Not Really…)
It is important to note that mutual funds and ETFs held with 529 accounts are not federally protected (ie: FDIC insured); however, some components of 529 account, such as money held in a certificate of deposit or high yield savings account may be FDIC insured. Additionally, because the money in a 529 account is earmarked for education, you won’t be tempted to use the money for other purposes, which can help you stay focused on your goal of saving for your child’s education.
Another more recent benefit to 529 accounts is that if they are not used for educational expenses they can be converted to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary. There are restrictions to this; for example, the 529 account must have been opened for at least 15 years and you cannot roll over more than 35,000 dollars. As of now, contributions that are made within the last 5 years of the 529 account are also not eligible for the conversion. However, with compounding interest this could be a very nice tax free nest egg for your child as they get towards their “golden years”.
In conclusion, 529 accounts are a great way to save for your child’s education. With tax advantages, ease of use, flexibility, low costs, and federal insurance for some types of holdings, 529 accounts offer a number of benefits that make them an attractive option for college savings.
*** Please note we are not financial advisors. This information is provided for educational purposes only.***