Big changes to 529 plans are here. Learn how you can now use your savings tax-free for trade schools, certifications, and ...

The college admissions and financing process is nothing short of daunting for many Americans. With higher education costs skyrocketing — the average annual cost of college in the United States was $36 ...

Dear Liz: We are tapping our child’s 529 college savings plan for the first time and are confused on what qualifies as a “qualified higher education expense.” Obviously tuition counts, but what about ...

The “big, beautiful bill” aims to expand qualified expenses for 529 plans to include SAT fees, trade school tuition and vocational certificates. Money, Getty Images A provision in President Donald ...

— 529 plans are state-sponsored accounts that offer tax-advantaged savings for education expenses; they cover college, trade and vocational courses, and qualified K-12 expenses. — Recent expansions ...

Once viewed narrowly as college savings tools, 529 plans have significantly evolved through a series of legislative changes. They are now among the most flexible and tax-efficient financial tools ...

Dear Liz: You’ve been writing about what to do with leftover money in 529 college savings plans. Our grandchild went to a great state university with low tuition. To manage this ahead of time, we have ...

Dear Liz: We are tapping our child’s 529 college savings plan for the first time and are confused on what qualifies as a “qualified higher education expense.” Obviously tuition counts, but what about ...

While 529 plans offer tax-advantaged growth and withdrawals for qualified education expenses, they also come with restrictions that may not suit every family’s needs. There are several alternatives to ...

You’ve spent years saving diligently for your daughter’s education, only to learn she’s decided not to go away to college after all. If you have thousands stashed in a 529 plan, you might be wondering ...

Editor’s note: This is the second article in a six-part series focused on paying for education using smart financial and estate planning. Other articles focus on direct tuition payments, Coverdell ...