Pros and Cons of 529 Plans
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax benefits, and sometimes state tax benefits | Must use funds for education |
| Low maintenance | Limitations on state tax benefits |
| High contribution limits | No self-directed investments |
| Flexibility | Fees |
Similarly one may ask, can 529 plans be used for retirement?
Advantages of Investing for Retirement in a 529
529s have no contribution limits, thus you can stuff as much money into one (or multiple plans) as you want. Individual states have contribution limits, but you can name yourself beneficiary of the 529 and use multiple state plans. In addition, there is no income limit.
- Don’t wait to start saving. …
- Set up automatic contributions. …
- Look for a plan with low fees. …
- Reinvest any state income tax benefits. …
- Use credit card rewards wisely. …
- Ask for gifts. …
- Increase contributions when life changes. …
- Hold stocks longer.
Moreover, what is the average return on a 529 plan?
A 529 plan, on the other hand, might easily return an average of 6% or more each year, helping you accumulate more cash for when those tuition bills start rolling in.
Is it better for a parent or grandparent to own a 529 plan?
How Grandparent 529 Plans Affect Financial Aid. Overall, 529 plans have a minimal effect on financial aid. But, the FAFSA treats parent-owned accounts more favorably. For example, you report 529 plans assets as parent assets, which can only reduce aid eligibility by a maximum 5.64% of the account value.
Are 529 accounts worth it?
Many people saving for college choose 529 plans as their investment vehicles, and that’s for good reason. 529 plans offer tax advantages that can help you allocate even more dollars to education expenses. There are a variety of plans available, and you’re not limited to just your own state’s plan.