(UPDATED December 5, 2023) - In December of 2022, the federal government enacted SECURE 2.0 of 2022, which delivers dozens of retirement-related provisions. Among them is the ability to make tax- and penalty-free rollovers from your 529 plan into a Roth IRA. This new benefit will go into effect on January 1, 2024, and we anticipate that you will be able to take advantage of it with your WA529 GET or DreamAhead account.
(September 6, 2023) - It’s September - National College Savings Month! While the word ‘college’ is in the title, it’s really about much more than that. It is when we officially recognize the importance of saving for post-high school education and training, including trade schools, technical training, and apprenticeships. Let’s face it. The cost of college and other career-readiness training is high and getting more so each year. National College Savings Month is a great reminder for families to put money away for their student’s future education expenses.
(August 1, 2023) - Ah, summer! While summers as an adult are not nearly as footloose and fancy-free as they were in my childhood, I still love the opportunity to get outside to hike, travel, and experiment with the grill (charbroiled watermelon, anyone?). The only big problem with summer is that I have to constantly remind myself that my responsibilities, including attending to my family’s college savings goals, can’t take a summer break anymore. But where to start when my brain is trying to check out for three months at a time?
(May 26, 2023) -Did you know May 29th (5/29) is National 529 Day, also known as 529 College Savings Day? 529 college savings plans are designed to help families save for future higher education costs in a tax-advantaged manner. Governor Jay Inslee also proclaimed May 29, 2023 as “529 College Savings Day” for Washingtonians.
(February 15, 2023) - A few years ago, I bought my forever home. It’s not grand or elaborate by any means, but it is mine and exactly what I need for my retirement and beyond years. Purchasing this home was an exercise in simplicity and predictability because I had to consider what my needs would be when I’m 20+ years down the road and not what my life looks like at this specific time. With retirement savings in place and an adequate nest egg for emergencies and fun money, I knew I still had more savings goals to meet.
(February 7, 2023) - Do you think you can’t afford college or training? Financial aid helps many students pay for education beyond high school, and more families in Washington are now eligible. You might qualify now even if you didn’t before!
Myth #1: Financial aid only pays for four-year universities, not career or technical schools.
(December 13, 2022) - Luke Minor discusses the economy, college tuition, and all things WA529 with "Conversations" host Gregr from Seattle's 107.7 FM "The End".
(December 12, 2022) - Luke Minor, Director of WA529 Washington’s College Savings Plans chats with TV Tacoma's Amanda Westbrooke on CityLine.
(December 12, 2022) - Most of us are familiar with the term, “it takes a village to raise a child”. During the holiday season, I have been reflecting on how thankful I am for our “village.” Friends, family members, teachers, and neighbors helped us influence and raise our young adult children to be hard-working, smart, kind, and witty humans with good financial sense. As my husband and I watch our young adults navigate their lives and make wise decisions along the way, we couldn’t be prouder.
(November 28, 2022 - Showcase Magazine) - Post-high school education is one of the biggest expenses people face in their lifetime. 529 plans were created to help parents, future students, friends, and family save money tax-free for qualified higher education expenses.
Read more at Showcase Magazine