Your 529 Primer

Section 529 college savings plansare now available in all 50 states, andalthough most plans don't require yourchild to attend a college within thestate, you should check this out beforeyou invest. Also, see if your own stateplan offers tax incentives to put moneyinto the plan. Find out about theinvestment options that various plansoffer. Some have several; others haveonly a few. Make sure the plan youchoose has an option that fits yourinvestment goals. The beneficiary of theaccount is usually your child, but it canbe anyone, even yourself, if you plan togo back to school. All withdrawals areentirely exempt from federal incometaxes, as long as the money is used forcollege expenses, including room andboard. For more on these college savingsplans, visit www.savingforcollege.com.