College seems a long way off when you bring your new baby home from the hospital, but the far-off nature of higher education shouldn’t move college savings strategies too far down your list of priorities. The good news is that there are several methods that can help you get started saving now, potentially saving your child (and you) from student loan debt down the road. More good news: We want to help you choose the right approach for your family! On this Worth It episode, Dustin R. Granger, CFP® and I explain the basics of 529 Accounts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and custodial accounts.

Click here to download your free Pros + Cons Chart

We want to help you choose the right college savings strategies for your family! @DRGranger @Worthit_Podcast #worthitpodcast #Saveforcollege #collegesavingsstrategies Click To Tweet

Here’s what you’ll learn

• [1:30] Today, we discuss college savings strategies
• [4:15] College is expensive, it’s a good idea to start saving now!
• [5:45] The 549 plan explained
• [12:00] Protect against rising tuition costs with Prepaid Tuition
• [16:15] Coverdell Education Savings Account explained
• [18:45] Custodial accounts explained
• [24:00] Check out dustinanddanielle.com/27 for a quick guide to college investing
• [24:45] The 529 account: The pros & cons
• [27:00] Coverdell Education Savings Account: The pros and cons
• [29:15] Strategies and tips you can use to get started
• [30:00] Check out the Vanguard education calculator in the resources section
• [32:45] Toujours Worth Software – Guided Wealth Portfolios
• [34:45] Inspirations Worth Sharing

The 529 Account

Section 529 plans, named for the section of the tax code that provides for their favorable tax treatment, are formally called “qualified tuition programs.” These investment programs are designed to help pay for future qualified education expenses. An advantage of this type of account is that it’s tax-free. Established for college costs and recently expanded to include $10,000 annually for K-12, 529s grow tax-deferred AND receive tax-free treatment on withdrawal if you use them for qualified education expenses. Currently, an individual can contribute up to $15,000 in one year for each beneficiary without incurring gift taxes, or a lump sum up to $75,000 as long as no further gifts to or for that individual are made during the next five years.

One disadvantage to be aware of, is if your child doesn’t attend college and wants to use the money for something else. At that point, the funds are subject to taxes on growth and a 10% penalty. Keep in mind that one way out of this problem is to change the beneficiary of the 529 Plan. So if one child does not use the funds, perhaps another child or relative can.

Coverdell Education Savings Account

Formerly known as an Education IRA, a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA), is a federally sponsored, tax-advantaged account set up to pay for qualified education expenses. Coverdell ESAs can be opened for any student who is under the age of 18 years. Coverdell ESA contributions are not tax-deductible, but, like a Roth IRA, amounts deposited in the accounts grow tax-free until withdrawn. The annual contribution limit is a maximum of $2,000 per beneficiary. Contributions can be made by individuals with modified adjusted gross income of less than $90,000. For a couple filing a joint return, that amount is $220,000. Coverdell ESA withdrawals can be used to pay for qualified education expenses at elementary and secondary schools (K-12), including public, private, or religious schools, as well as any college, university, vocational school, or other post-secondary educational institution eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the Department of Education. This includes virtually all accredited, public, nonprofit, and private post-secondary institutions.

Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA), is a federally sponsored, tax-advantaged account set up to pay for qualified education expenses. Did you know it can also be used for K12 edu? Learn More: @DRGranger @Worthit_Podcast #worthitpodcast… Click To Tweet

Custodial Accounts: UGMA and UTMA

UGMA and UTMA accounts are considered the granddaddy of college savings accounts. The UGMA (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) and UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minors Act) are nothing more than custodial accounts, which are used to hold and protect assets for minors until they reach the age of majority in their state. The account format requires a custodian to hand over control of the assets to the child at anywhere from age 18 to 21, depending on the state. A custodian can initiate a withdrawal for the benefit of the child as long as the expenses are for legitimate needs. Any expense that is for the benefit of the child, such as pre-college educational expenses, may be paid from the custodial account, at the custodian’s discretion. Unlike other college savings accounts, however, these expenses are not limited to education and can be used for anything related to the child. Likewise, upon becoming a legal adult, the child can use the money without limitations. Unlike 529 plans and Coverdell ESA’s, there’s no ability to transfer the account to another child or change beneficiaries.

Learn the pros and cons of the most common college investment accounts! @DRGranger @Worthit_Podcast #worthitpodcast #Saveforcollege #collegesavingsstrategies Click To Tweet

Click here to download your free Pros + Cons Chart

Resources & People Mentioned

• Vanguard Education Calculator
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Show

Connect With Danielle and Dustin

• Ask your questions!
• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• Connect with Dustin on Twitter: @DRGranger

You want the best future for your child, right? 529 plans are designed to help pay for future qualified education expenses. Want to learn more? @DRGranger @Worthit_Podcast #worthitpodcast #Saveforcollege #collegesavingsstrategies Click To Tweet Any expense that is for the benefit of the child, such as pre-college educational expenses, may be paid from the custodial account, at the custodian’s discretion. @DRGranger @Worthit_Podcast #worthitpodcast #Saveforcollege… Click To Tweet