Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about investing, retirement, & workplace savings plans. When most people hear “529 plan,” they immediately think of ...

Many parents and grandparents wanting to save for children's education have heard of 529 college-savings plans. But did you know about the Coverdell education savings account (ESA)? And which is ...

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted in July 2025, brought a wave of tax changes. Permanent tax brackets, updated standard deductions, and itemized deduction modifications got the attention ...

Is it better to make a lump-sum contribution up front or spread funds out through the years?

529 education savings plans are powerful tools to help pay for the mounting costs of an education. Yet some people hesitate to use them. One common concern is oversaving. You can only use 529 funds ...

Right now, families who open a new Florida Prepaid 529 plan will receive a $50 contribution to their account. Florida prepaid plans are guaranteed by the state of Florida and protect families from ...

The Coverdell ESA and the 529 both grow tax-free and allow tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses, but the differences are meaningful. Rolling Coverdell ESA funds into a 529 plan is tax ...