A goals-based plan for education costs—built around you.

Children doing homework together at table

Save with purpose for what matters most

Education planning starts with more than tuition for children or grandchildren. We begin with your values, priorities, and goals, then build a plan to help you save and invest for education while staying aligned with retirement, cash flow, and the rest of your financial life. 

Elements of a plan

Key elements of your education plan

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Goal & timeline

When the money is needed, and how flexible the plan must be

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Cost estimate

Likely range for the type of school you’re considering 

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Savings target

What to save each month (and what to do if you’re starting late)

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Investment approach

Risk level today, and how to reduce risk as the deadline nears

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Account strategy

Which accounts fit your situation and how they work together

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Trade-offs

Balancing education savings with retirement and other priorities

Savings options

Education savings options and how to choose 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We’ll help you compare options based on taxes, control, flexibility, and how you plan to use the money. 

  • 529 plans*

    A common choice for education with potential tax advantages when used for qualified expenses

  • Taxable brokerage accounts

    Flexible use of funds, with investment and tax considerations

  • Custodial accounts (UTMA/UGMA)

    Assets generally belong to the child once they reach the age of majority—useful in some cases, limiting in others

  • Roth IRA (in select situations)

    Can add flexibility, but rules and trade-offs matter

  • Coverdell ESA and savings bonds

    Niche tools that may fit specific timelines or tax profiles

Meet with us

Let’s start planning your financial future

Ready to take the next step?

Connect with a trusted financial advisor to see what personalized advice can do for you.

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FAQs

It depends on your timeline, the type of school you’re targeting, and how much of the cost you want savings to cover. We’ll help you set a target that’s ambitious—but sustainable.

In many cases, retirement stays the priority—because there are more ways to fund education than retirement. We’ll run through the trade-offs and build a plan that supports both. 

That’s where flexibility matters. Depending on the account type, you may be able to change beneficiaries, adjust the plan, or re-purpose funds. We’ll build with “what if” scenarios in mind. 

The earlier you start, the more flexibility you may have—but it’s never too early or too late to begin. Starting now can still make a meaningful difference, and we can help you choose a strategy that fits your timeline and priorities. 

*Securities (including 529 Plans) are not a deposit of any bank, are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by any bank or savings institution, may go down in value, and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal invested.

GE-8915799.1 (05/2026) (Exp. 05/2030)

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