Spring is often associated with fresh starts.

As the weather warms and the days grow longer, many families begin tackling annual spring-cleaning projects, such as clearing clutter from closets, organizing garages, and refreshing their homes after winter. But spring can also be the perfect time to tidy up another important area of life: your finances.

Just as cleaning and organizing your home can create peace of mind, reviewing your financial goals can help families feel more prepared for the future. One financial goal that deserves special attention each spring is saving for college. With the total cost of education continuing to rise, taking time now to evaluate your college savings strategy can make a meaningful difference later.

Spring is a natural season for financial checkups because many households are already reviewing budgets, tax returns, and spending habits. Tax season often gives families a clearer understanding of their overall financial picture, making it easier to identify opportunities to save. Whether it’s redirecting part of a tax refund, reducing unnecessary expenses, or setting up automatic monthly contributions, small steps taken now can help build long-term education savings.

For Washington families, spring is an excellent time to explore the state’s two education savings options: WA529 GET and WA529 Invest.

WA529 GET is Washington’s prepaid tuition plan. Families purchase GET tuition units at a price equal to the current cost of in-state public tuition and fees. These units can be used in the future to help protect against rising tuition costs. The value of GET units is tied to tuition and state-mandated fees at Washington’s highest-priced public university, offering families a predictable way to prepare for future education expenses.

For parents who value stability and want reassurance about keeping pace with tuition increases, GET can provide added confidence. The plan allows families to focus less on market fluctuations and more on steadily building toward their education goals.

Washington families can also consider WA529 Invest, the state’s investment-based education savings plan. Unlike prepaid tuition plans, WA529 Invest offers investment options designed to help savings grow over time based on market performance. Families can choose investment portfolios that align with their financial goals, timeline, and comfort with risk.

WA529 Invest offers flexibility and the potential for long-term growth, making it appealing for families who are starting early or who want more control over their investment strategy. Like other 529 plans, earnings in both WA529 plans grow tax-free, and withdrawals remain tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.

Both WA529 GET and WA529 Invest can be used for a variety of educational expenses beyond traditional four-year colleges, including tuition, room and board, books, computers, apprenticeships, technical schools, and certain credentialing programs. Accounts can be transferred to another eligible family member if plans change.

One of the biggest advantages of starting now is time.

Even modest monthly contributions can grow significantly over the years. Spring provides a timely reminder that preparing for the future often begins with small, consistent habits.

While many families focus on decluttering closets and deep cleaning kitchens this time of year, organizing finances can have an even greater long-term impact. Reviewing your savings goals, evaluating your monthly budget, and learning more about Washington’s Education Savings Plans can help create a stronger financial foundation for your family.

This spring, as you refresh your home and clear away the old, consider giving the same attention to your financial future. A clean house may feel good today, but a thoughtful college savings plan can help create opportunities for your children for years to come.