Thumbs Up: 529 Plan Goodies

Investing in a state 529 college savingsplan has always been a smartstrategy. Now, the benefits of contributingto a 529 plan just gotsweeter in a couple of states, wherea program is in place that provides amatching grant to qualified families.In Rhode Island, for example, alow- or middle-income family withan adjusted gross income as high as$53,000 can qualify for a dollar-for-dollarmatch of any funds contributedto the state's 529 plan.Louisiana now offers to match 2%of any money put into the state's529 plan, regardless of a family'sincome level. Other states likeMaine, Michigan, and Minnesotaalso offer matching grants to eligiblefamilies. Get the lowdown on all529 plans at www.savingforcollege.com or www.529directory.com.