WA529 Blog
From Treats to Tuition: Lessons in Saving from a Fur Parent
My mornings start with feeding my dog, not packing a school lunch. Like many pet owners, my “kids” have paws and a knack for stealing the best spot on the couch. Sometimes it’s tricky to relate when friends talk about what their child wants to be when they grow up – while I’m wondering if I should brag about the latest trick my dog learned. But when I started setting money aside for my rescue dog’s training to help her build confidence and good habits, something clicked.
Give the Gift of Education: A Small Present with a Big Impact
The Gift of Education: “The Best Gifts Come in Small Packages”
Let’s be honest—holiday shopping can feel like an Olympic sport. You sprint through malls, dodge crowds, and try to decide if you should get toys, books, or clothes for your nieces and nephews. Holiday shopping lists often feel overwhelming. Imagine giving a meaningful gift this year that won’t require you to wait in another long line to buy it. Consider giving the gift of education. It is a meaningful and long-lasting investment in a child’s life.
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end
If there’s anything that drives me crazy, it’s earworms! You know – those insidious and hopelessly catchy pop songs pumped out of department store overhead speakers with reckless abandon? We’ve all fallen victim to them, and they typically have a knack for making us want to crawl out of our skin.
Prepare for Higher Education Before It Haunts You
Danger: embarrassing Halloween wordplay lurks ahead
Fall is my favorite time of the year, and one of the biggest reasons is Halloween. I love the crisp air, the creative decorations in the neighborhood, and of course the kids in costumes. While fall brings pumpkins, parties, and candy, it also brings a new school year. That can serve as a chilling reminder of something truly scary: the looming specter of future higher education costs.
(Don’t say you weren’t warned about the wordplay. We’re just getting started…)
Education Savings can be a Trip!
Memories of planning family road trips always come to my mind in the summer. Preparing for an exciting adventure is a rewarding experience. I planned several fun-filled road trips when our kids were young – creating special memories our family will never forget. Recently, it occurred to me that saving for higher education may seem like a completely different task, but honestly, the two tasks are more alike than you might think.
Why I Opened a 529 Prepaid Plan for My Nephew the Day He Was Born
When my nephew was born, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful for him—something that would matter years down the line. I didn’t want to give him another cute onesie or a toy that would end up in a donation bin. I wanted to give him a future. That’s why I opened a 529 prepaid tuition plan the week he was born.
It wasn’t flashy, and no one cheered when I signed up. But it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Thinking long-term from day one