my529--an investment in the future.

• Position: UB Voices by my529

Higher education, whether at a university, college, or trade school, can help make your children's dreams a reality. That's where they study to become a doctor, astronaut, aircraft mechanic, or video game designer.

A college degree is a good investment in the future. Advanced education and training will be a prerequisite for two-thirds of American jobs by 2020, according to the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University.

As education costs continue to rise, however, many families worry about how to finance their goals.

my529--formerly known as the Utah Educational Savings Plan or UESP--can help.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

my529 has been providing families in Utah and nationwide with a high-quality 529 college savings plan for the past 22 years. The name may be new, but we will remain the same low-cost, flexible plan that has earned national honors-including Morningstar's top rating for seven years straight.

WHAT IS A 529?

my529 is a 529 plan, an investment vehicle created by Congress and the state of Utah specifically for educational savings.

529 funds can be used at any eligible educational institution in the United States or abroad that accepts federal financial aid, not just schools in Utah. The account owner and/or beneficiary are not required to be Utah residents.

529 TAX ADVANTAGES

Tax benefits enhance 529s because earnings accumulate free from federal and Utah state income taxes, so more money is available to pay for education expenses.

When it is time for a beneficiary to attend college, account owners can make withdrawals tax-free for qualified higher education expenses like tuition, fees, room and board, books, equipment, computers, and internet access. And now, account owners can use my529 funds for up to $10,000 per year of K-12 tuition expenses.

Utah residents also can earn a 5 percent tax credit in 2018 per qualified beneficiary for contributions up to certain limits.

PLAN FEATURES

my529 offers 14 investment options, making it simple for families to select a strategy that fits their time horizons and risk tolerances. We also provide tools for account owners who prefer to build their own option.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START SAVING FOR COLLEGE?

my529 believes it is never too early or too late to start investing for higher education--even small amounts invested regularly can add up over time. Families may not be able to save the entire cost of a two-year or four-year degree, but they might be able to pay for books...