Catching Up to FI These New Rules Will Change The Way You Think About 529 Plans | Patricia Roberts | 193
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Feb 1, 2026 Patricia Roberts, COO of Gift of College and author of Route 529, is a longtime 529-plan educator. She debunks myths about who 529s serve. Topics include surprising qualified uses beyond college, state tax quirks and parity rules, comparing plans and fees, strategies for late starters, balancing retirement vs. education saving, and the new 529-to-Roth rollover option.
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From Nearly Missing College To Saving For Son
- Patricia grew up poor and nearly missed college, then worked multiple jobs to earn degrees and later carried large student debt.
- She later saved in a 529 for her son and celebrated his debt-free college graduation.
Tax Advantages And State-Level Benefits
- 529s offer tax-free growth and federal tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses.
- 37 states plus DC add their own state-level deductions or credits, increasing the benefit for many residents.
Use Comparison Tools Before Choosing A Plan
- Use resources like GiftOfCollege, SavingForCollege, and Morningstar to compare plan fees, managers, and ratings.
- Consider a financial advisor if you want personalized advice on which plan suits your goals.
