"The 529 Trap: Why Locking Up Your Kid’s College Money Could Backfire"

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What if the college fund you've been diligently saving into a 529 plan actually ends up harming your child's financial future instead of helping it?

In this episode of The Money Ripples Podcast, I challenge one of the most widely accepted "smart money moves" for parents: the college savings plan. Inspired by a popular social media post claiming that $100/month into a 529 plan could create a $2.6 million windfall, I break down the math, the assumptions, and most importantly, the hidden risks.

I’m not here to bash saving money. But I am here to shed light on why the 529 plan may not be the financial blessing it’s marketed to be. Inflation, market volatility, future tax law uncertainty, and rigid rules around how the funds can be used all play a role in why these plans might not live up to the hype.

Instead, I share what I use personally: max-funded life insurance (aka the Infinite Banking strategy). I explain how this approach gives me flexibility, control, and guarantees that the 529 can’t offer. From helping your kids launch a business to buying their first home or even choosing not to go to college at all the infinite banking strategy allows your money to grow safely and stay accessible.

In this episode, I walk you through:

- The math behind the viral $2.6M Roth IRA claim from a 529 rollover - Why most 529 plans underperform and lack flexibility - How inflation drastically reduces future buying power—even with "high returns" - The risks of changing government policies on Roths and college savings - Why I prefer life insurance and how it keeps you in control of your money

As parents, our goal isn’t just to fund college it's to prepare our kids for life. And locking away tens of thousands of dollars in an account they might not even use? 

That’s not smart stewardship. If you've been unsure about 529 plans or have one already this episode is a must-listen.