Grow

How will you pay for your child's college?

Costs keep rising. A plan started early does most of the work that a bigger check would have to do later.

The gap between what college will cost and what is being saved is usually larger than parents expect — and entirely fixable if it is found early enough.

Costs projected, not guessed
Tax-advantaged growth
Plan early, stress less
Aid eligibility considered
The plan protected either way

Education savings plans

529 plans and the alternatives, compared honestly
Flexible, tax-advantaged growth

Financial aid strategies

How assets are counted, and what that means for eligibility
Reducing out-of-pocket cost rather than only saving more

Retirement accounts and education

Where retirement money can sensibly play a part
Where borrowing against your own retirement is a bad trade

Protection for the plan

Coverage so the plan survives the parent
Continuity if an income stops partway through

Start with the number

We use a published college cost calculator to project what your child's education will actually cost by the time they get there, then show what your current contributions grow to over the same period.

The difference between those two figures is the conversation. It is usually the first time parents have seen it stated plainly.

Saving for college should not cost you your retirement

There are loans for education. There are none for retirement. Where the two compete, we say so rather than quietly funding one at the other's expense.

Let us plan their future

Ten minutes now is worth more than a larger check in ten years.

Book a complimentary consultation Send us a message

On the form, select “College funding”.

Frequently asked questions

What if my child doesn’t go to college?

You have options. You can change the beneficiary to another eligible family member, use the funds for trade school or apprenticeship programs, or, subject to IRS rules (the account must have been open at least 15 years, with a lifetime cap), roll some of it into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary. Non-qualified withdrawals are taxed on earnings and usually carry a 10% penalty.

What other college savings options are available?

Other options include Custodial Accounts (UGMA/UTMA), Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESA) and regular brokerage accounts, though they may offer fewer tax advantages than a 529 plan.

How much can I contribute to a 529 College Savings Plan?

There is no federal annual limit, but each state sets a lifetime maximum per beneficiary, often several hundred thousand dollars. Contributions above the annual gift tax exclusion may need to be reported, although 529s allow five years of gifts to be made at once.

Can I use a 529 plan for K-12 education expenses?

Yes. 529 plans can pay for K-12 expenses, including tuition and, since 2025, costs such as books, tutoring and testing fees. The annual K-12 limit rose from $10,000 to $20,000 per beneficiary starting in 2026. State tax treatment varies, so check your state's rules.