Education Savings 529

A 529 plan (Section 529 of Internal Revenue Code) is a US tax-advantaged savings account for education expenses. Account owner (parent, grandparent, or individual) deposits money, which grows tax-free if used for qualified education expenses (tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, required equipment). Two types: (1) Prepaid tuition plans = lock in tuition rate today, use in future, (2) Savings accounts = flexible investment allocation. 50 states offer 529 plans; each has rules, investment options, fees.