Everything we know
about 529s.
Plain-English answers to the questions parents actually ask. Updated as the rules change.
529 vs. savings account: which is better for college?
Spoiler: it's not close. Over 18 years, the difference between a 529 and a regular savings account can be the difference between covering tuition and not.
What if my kid doesn't go to college? Your 529 options.
The biggest 529 myth is that it 'locks you in' to college. It doesn't. Here are six things you can do with a 529 that has nothing to do with a four-year degree.
Which states give you a 529 tax deduction? (And how much.)
32 states plus DC offer a state income-tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions. Here's the state-by-state breakdown, with the gotchas.
How much should I save per month for college?
The honest answer depends on three things: your kid's age, where they might go, and how much help you want to give. Here's a simple framework.
Can grandparents open or contribute to a 529?
Yes — and they should. Grandparent 529 contributions are one of the most tax-efficient gifts in the entire tax code. Here's how to set one up.
Will a 529 hurt my kid's financial aid?
The short answer: barely. The long answer involves the FAFSA Simplification Act and a quirk that actually makes grandparent-owned 529s strictly better than they used to be.
Age-based vs. static portfolios: what to pick in your 529.
Every 529 offers a menu of investment options. Here's how to choose between age-based (auto-adjusting) and static portfolios, and when to override the default.
What is 529 superfunding? (And should you do it?)
The 529 superfund election lets you front-load five years of gift-tax-free contributions in a single year. Here's the math, the gotchas, and when it makes sense.
How to roll over an old 529 to a new plan.
Stuck with a high-fee or under-performing 529? You can roll it over to a better plan once every 12 months without paying tax. Here's the step-by-step.