529 Plans: When They Work, When They Don't, and Smarter Ways to Pay for College

30/05/2025 34 min
529 Plans: When They Work, When They Don't, and Smarter Ways to Pay for College

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Episode Synopsis

Episode Description: Are 529 college savings plans still the best way to fund education? In this episode of The Personal Finance Project, financial advisor Matt Leatherwood, CFP®, CPWA®, joins hosts Scott Bartosh and Greg Ashcroft to take a critical look at the benefits—and potential drawbacks—of 529 plans. Together, they serve Chevron employees and retirees through personalized financial planning, and today they tackle one of the most commonly misunderstood tools in education funding. Key topics covered include: What a 529 plan is and how it works Common 529 plan mistakes, including overfunding and poor timing Why starting a 529 early matters—and when it might be too late The truth about 529 investment limitations and tax rules Alternatives to 529s: Roth IRAs, appreciated assets, and direct tuition payments How scholarships impact 529 withdrawals What the new 529-to-Roth rollover rules really mean (and why they fall short) Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or advisor, this episode will help you understand how to use 529 plans effectively—or when to consider other tax-efficient college savings strategies.

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