529 College Savings Plan: What to Open, How to Invest, and What Happens If Your Kid Skips College

My oldest is officially done with high school, and this week's episode was inspired by that milestone. I'm pulling back the curtain on how I funded college for my kids using a 529 plan and why I made the choices I did along the way. I cover the basics of how a 529 works, the tax advantages, contribution limits, and how the investment options inside the plan compare to your 401k or brokerage account. But more importantly, I get into the mindset behind the decision: why college savings was a priority in my household but never THE priority, and how I made sure I wasn't sacrificing my own retirement to fund someone else's future. I also bust the biggest myth that keeps people from opening a 529: what happens if your kid doesn't go to a four-year university. Spoiler, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, student loan repayment, and even a Roth IRA rollover are all on the table. Topics covered: How 529 plans work and what they pay for Annual gift tax exclusion and contribution strategies Target date funds inside 529 plans What to do with leftover 529 funds Generational wealth transfer through education Ready to build a college savings strategy that doesn't derail your own financial future? Book a free call at the link below. Book your free discovery call: https://calendly.com/thewholebudget/60-min