College Savings Foundation

New on the MEFA Podcast: "How to Increase Your Savings with College Gifting" (Ep. #21) In this episode, host Jonathan Hughes talks with MEFA’s Shaun Connolly and Julie Shields-Rutyna about ways to involve family and friends in college savings. Shaun shares how he set up a U Fund 529 account for his son and created a gifting page for contributions. The discussion also touches on Massachusetts' college savings options, including the U Fund and U Plan. MEFA is a member of the College Savings Foundation (CSF). Listen now: https://ow.ly/HHT750U4n5r #CollegeSavings #529Plan #MEFAPodcast #CSFMember #CollegeGifting

529 plans are gaining traction—and for good reason! CSF Chair Christopher T. McGee recently spoke with James Silbernagel, CFP?, CEPS, LACP, LUTCF on Real Wealth Radio about how families are using these plans to tackle student debt and even roll unused funds into Roth IRAs. It’s an eye-opening conversation about how financial strategies are evolving for parents and teens. Take a listen: https://ow.ly/W8Nt50UbSAN What’s your take on the role of 529 plans in financial planning? Share your thoughts below! #CollegeSavings #529Plans #FinancialWellness #StudentDebtSolutions #CSF

?? Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025 CSF Annual Conference! ?? Join us March 4-6 at the stunning Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel in Berkeley, CA, as we come together to "Expand 529s to Fuel the Future" ??. This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, gain actionable insights, and shape the future of college savings. Don't miss this opportunity to make an impact and network with the best in the business! ?? Register now and secure your spot today! https://ow.ly/HXIh50UaRGK ?? Mark your calendar, spread the word, and get ready to fuel the future of education savings. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Future of Education & College Savings With hybrid and online learning transforming the college experience, students and families now have more opportunities to reduce education costs while benefiting from flexible learning. Cheryl Rapp from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions explores how these innovative learning models can significantly lower tuition and living expenses. As a proud member of the College Savings Foundation (CSF), Edvest 529, Wisconsin's College Savings Plan 529 is committed to helping families save for higher education with accessible, flexible savings options. ?? Read more about how hybrid learning is changing the future of education and college savings here: https://lnkd.in/gfvh8HQJ #CollegeSavings #529Plans #Edvest529 #CSFMember #OnlineLearning #HybridLearning #HigherEducation #CostSavings #FinancialPlanning #FutureReady

Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week with WA529 Plans! As we gear up for the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), taking place from November 17-23, 2024, it's a great time to recognize the growing value of Registered Apprenticeships in developing a skilled workforce and creating career pathways for jobseekers. This year’s theme—10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation—celebrates the transformative impact of apprenticeships across industries and communities. Did you know you can use your WA529 plan to help pay for apprenticeship-related expenses? Whether you’re pursuing training through a Registered Apprenticeship or exploring other education and career development opportunities, your WA529 savings can be used for a wide range of expenses, including tuition, books, tools, and supplies. As NAW celebrates the success of apprenticeships, it’s the perfect time to plan for the future—whether you're an apprentice, an employer, or someone supporting an apprentice. Use your WA529 account to help fund the journey toward a skilled, rewarding career. For more information on how to use WA529 for apprenticeships, visit 529.wa.gov. Let’s celebrate apprenticeships and plan for a brighter future! #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #EducationPathways #Careertraining #529plans

?? Exciting News! ?? The 2024 Gifting Programs Map is now LIVE! ?? Discover how 65% of parents are turning to 529 plans for holiday gifts this season. With double-digit growth in 529 gifting, it's the perfect time to contribute to a child's future education. ?? https://ow.ly/TgTK50U9vBu Join the movement and make a meaningful impact this holiday season! ??? #529Gifting #CollegeSavings #FutureReady

??? New MEFA Podcast Episode! ??? Episode #97: "How Much Are Families Saving for College?" Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna dive into the latest college savings insights, including: Don’t miss this episode, brought to you by MEFA a proud member of the College Savings Foundation! ?? Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eQJwj9rp #CollegeSavings #529Plan #MEFAPodcast #CSFMember #FidelityInvestments

???? Ready to turn financial stress into academic success? As a proud member of the College Savings Foundation, Edvest 529, Wisconsin's College Savings Plan, is here to help you save smarter for higher education. With tax advantages, flexibility, and ease of use, 529 plans make preparing for college costs easier than ever! ?? Tune in to the "Money Talks: College Walks" podcast and discover how 529 plans can benefit you and your family. ?? Learn more https://ow.ly/nGHg50U4oNs #CollegeSavings #529Plan #Edvest529 #CSFMember #SmartSaving #FutureSuccess #FinancialPlanning #HigherEd #MoneyTalks

??? New Episode Available! ??? Episode #98 of the MEFA Podcast: "A 529 College Savings Account Success Story" In this episode, host Jonathan Hughes talks with recent college graduate Bronwyn Crick about her journey of funding both her undergrad and grad school through her 529 college savings account. They discuss: ? The importance of starting to save early ? Tips for choosing the right school ? Bronwyn’s advice for future college savers Tune in to hear Bronwyn’s inspiring story and gain valuable insights into making the most of your 529 savings! Proudly presented by MEFA, a proud member of the College Savings Foundation (CSF), this episode offers valuable insights into planning for higher education. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/eZ_GD2f6 If you enjoy the episode, please leave them a review! ?? #CollegeSavings #529Plan #MEFAPodcast #HigherEd #CSFMember

Congrats to the winners of the Crawford County College Savings Month Sweepstakes! These lucky Kindergarten students received $250 scholarships in the form of Edvest College Savings accounts. Thank you UW-Madison Division of Extension Crawford County for partnering with us in this outreach.