College Planning Made Easy with AZ529

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Arizona Commission for Postseconday Education for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you saving for your child's future college expenses?

Did you know that today's incoming kindergartners will need approximately a quarter of a million dollars to attend a four year college? Mind. Blown.

Most parents agree that a college education is an important investment for their child's future but only 1/3 have a plan to pay for college. Today's college graduates are graduating with huge amounts of student debt and that's why preparing NOW for the future is important. Nobody wants the future generations to be saddled with huge student loan payments. Investing in Az529 can help ease the burden of college expenses.

What is Az529?

Az529 is a Section 529 College Savings Plan sponsored by the State of Arizona through ACPE (Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education). The 529 Plan is specially designed to help families meet the rising costs of higher education and can be started with as little as $15 per month! The program is an easy, flexible and offers tax advantages.

There are a variety of choices to save with an Az529 plan. Some of the college savings plans are FDIC Insured CD’s, mutual funds, indexed funds, age-based and static portfolios.

Where can Az529 plans be used?

AZ529 plans can be used at accredited institutions eligible through the U.S. Department of Education anywhere in the country and some abroad. This includes two-year and four-year public or private colleges, universities, community colleges or technical and vocational training schools. Even online!

What are the benefits to investing in an Az529 plan?

The Az529 plan is owned by the parents. That means the asset can not be considered when determining eligibility for Arizona financial aid.
The parents (the account owner) controls the account and distributions regardless of the child's age.
Tax-free withdraws
Tax-deferred distributions
Professional money management
And more!

October is Arizona College Savings month.

The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is celebrating by giving away a $250 scholarship to one child who enters this amazing coloring contest!

Download the following Coloring Contest Entry Form and should be emailed to: contest@bigyam.com or mail to: BIG YAM, 7077 E. Marilyn Rd., Bldg 5, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

Must be received by December 11, 2015.