Disadvantages of 529 Plans
By June 2022, total investments in 529 college savings plans had reached $412.5 billion, with the average account balance reaching $25,903. While many people choose to save money in a 529 plan, those who are debating this strategy may want to first review the disadvantages.
Investment Options May Be Limited
A 529 plan is not the same as a traditional savings account. Rather than simply earning interest, money added to a 529 plan can be invested, typically in mutual funds, although some plans may also offer exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or individual stocks. On one hand, that’s an advantage, as investing in the market typically yields higher returns than simply earning interest. As your returns compound over time, your money has an opportunity to grow faster. The potential stumbling block is choosing a plan with less variety in its investment offerings. For instance, you may only be able to invest in a handful of target-date funds. While target-date funds have their benefits for college savings, as they adjust their asset allocation automatically based on your child’s expected college entry date, you don’t have control over the individual assets within the fund. Limited investment options may not afford the level of diversification you’re seeking.
Fees May Be High
Just like with any other investment vehicle, there are fees associated with 529 plans. These fees are linked to the individual investments themselves that are held within the plan. If you choose investments with higher management fees, those fees can easily detract from the returns you’re earning.
A 10% Penalty Applies to Non-Qualified Withdrawals
One of the more expensive disadvantages of 529 plans centers on the 10% penalty that applies when money in the account is used for something other than qualified education expenses. Qualified education expenses include:
Tuition and feesRoom and board for students enrolled on at least a half-time basisTextbooksComputer equipment and necessary suppliesNecessary supplies for special needs students
If you overestimate your child’s education costs and withdraw more money than you need, the penalty would apply to any of the money not used for qualified expenses. On a larger withdrawal, that could add up to a sizable addition to your tax bill.
Time Isn’t Always On Your Side
With college savings plans, it pays to be the early bird. The sooner you open a 529 account and start contributing regularly, the longer your money has to grow. It also has longer to recover from market ups and downs, which may naturally occur during the time frame in which you’re saving. If you’re getting a late start, you may have to play catch-up by contributing larger amounts in order to reach your target college savings goal. You also have a shorter window for seeing your investments recover if market volatility results in losses in the last few years before your student goes off to college.
Benefits of 529 Plans
Among the top benefits of 529 plans are tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals when savings are used for qualified education expenses. Additionally, 529 savings plans can be used for elementary and secondary education expenses at private schools, along with college expenses. With the ability to enroll in almost any state’s plan, regardless of which state you live in, 529 accounts offer flexibility and freedom of choice. And, unlike a Coverdell education savings account, 529 savings plans don’t require mandatory withdrawals by the beneficiary’s 30th birthday to avoid a tax penalty. In fact, a leftover 529 plan can be rolled over to a new beneficiary, a process that may be continued indefinitely until the savings are exhausted. Regardless of these benefits, there are still disadvantages as outlined earlier. Consider both, plus other options, when saving money for college.
Is There a Better Way To Save for College?
All things considered, the disadvantages of 529 plans can be outweighed by their advantages. For some parents, however, it might make more sense to save elsewhere. A Roth IRA, for example, could double as a college savings account as well as a retirement account. With some exceptions, you’re allowed to withdraw the original amount you’ve contributed without paying income tax or an early withdrawal tax penalty. There’s no 10% penalty when Roth IRA withdrawals are used for qualified higher education expenses. Ordinary income tax may, however, apply to any earnings withdrawn from your account prior to age 59 1/2. Of course, using a Roth IRA for college isn’t perfect either. If you don’t follow the rules carefully, you could still trigger income tax or penalties. And the money you’re withdrawing for college is money you’ll no longer have in savings for your own retirement. If you’re not completely sold on a 529 plan, saving in a high-yield savings account or CD account is another alternative to consider. You may not see as much growth compared to a 529, but it would allow you to keep your retirement savings intact while still planning for your child’s education. Other accounts to explore include custodial accounts and a Coverdell education savings account.
