(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.
(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
(July 26, 2021) - There is nothing like experiencing your baby’s firsts! I will never forget the turquoise dress my daughter wore when she took her first steps, or the little hoodie my son had on when he learned to walk. Looking back brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.
(July 13, 2021) - In 2018 my first child graduated from high school and I officially became a college parent. During our search for colleges, we realized my daughter’s dream of becoming a screenwriter was not going to become reality at an in-state public university. Searching beyond state universities was not in “my” plan. We were lucky to find a fantastic out-of-state screenwriting program that was affordable after she was awarded scholarships, grants, and loans. Of course, we still had expenses to pay after scholarships and financial aid were awarded.
(June 22, 2021) - “Hey Nana, I want to be an engineer when I grow up!” said one of my grandchildren. “I am going to college…somewhere!”
Each of them are unique and passionate about learning. Crafts, Lego building, podcasts, coding (yes, already at age 8) and dress-up time fill their days. They venture outside any chance they get. They find the beauty in nature and have natural curiosities about most everything.
My husband and I have five grandchildren and enjoy our time with our “little ones.”
(June 9, 2021)-Blue skies, sunshine, flowers and planted gardens indicate summer is almost here. After 14 months of pandemic life, we are all eager for summer. I’m enjoying extra time outside and anticipating family vacation. Alas, I need to slow down. The 2020-21 school year isn’t over yet. Important milestones are coming up.
(May 12, 2021) - Senate Bill 5430 passed the Washington Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Inslee on May 10, 2021. When the bill took effect on July 24, 2021, it limited the future price of GET units to no more than 10 percent above that year’s current unit payout value, which is based on in-state tuition rates. This price limit will apply as long as the current state tuition policy remains in effect and GET’s funded status remains over 120%.
(April 11, 2021)-Saving and financial knowledge are important parts of children’s lives. With my kids, it began by reading stories that introduced money awareness. Curious George Saves His Pennies was a favorite. We counted coins and dropped them into piggy banks. We took advantage of teachable moments in everyday life. While shopping, dining out, or on a road trip, we talked about money concepts like needs vs. wants or how much things cost.
(March 5, 2021) - Many descriptive words come to mind when we think about the past year. One word that has possibly eluded us though, is “lucky”. We haven’t had much luck on our side, have we? The ones who could really use a little luck, are our kids. Between school closures, having to remain “socially distant” from their friends, and life as they know it flipped upside down, it has been a long year for them. We have encouraged them to keep going, continue to work hard, and that circumstances will eventually change. A little luck dealing with this pandemic sure would be nice.
(February 18, 2021) - WA529 Director Luke Minor gives a brief overview of Washington's College Savings Plans with Stephens Media personality Kent Jones.