How 529 Plans Treat Room and Board Expenses

In this episode of The College Savings Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down how room and board costs work with 529 plans. They explain the critical distinction between on-campus and off-campus housing, the cost-of-attendance cap, and what happens if you withdraw more than the official budget. Using real examples from two universities, they walk listeners through the documentation trap that can turn a qualified withdrawal into a taxable one. They also discuss how the rules differ for students living at home versus in apartments, and why meal plans and rental receipts both matter. If you're funding a child's housing with 529 money, this episode covers the specific IRS rules you need to know before you write that check. #529Plans #RoomAndBoard #CollegeSavings #QualifiedExpenses #CostOfAttendance #IRS #OnCampusHousing #OffCampusHousing #MealPlans #FinancialAid #HousingCosts #EducationFunding #TaxRules #Fexingo #CollegeSavingsPodcast #PersonalFinance #StudentExpenses #529Withdrawals Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo