College Savings

Explore stories, resources and updates about Illinois 529 college savings programs that help families save for education with tax advantages.

Twin toddler boys sitting on a chair, each holding a book

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

After I wrote about the boys’ birthday, a few people asked me what their favorite toy was. It’s different every day, but without question their current favorite toy is the one their brother is playing with. And we often experience a meltdown when their brother does not relinquish it to them. The toy could have been sitting at the bottom of the toy chest for months, out of sight and out of mind. But as soon as their brother has rediscovered it and starts to play with it, that toy…

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About 20 people standing and posing in front of a curtain on a stage

Illinois Among Founding Partners of New Consortium to Expand Participation in 529 Education Savings Plans

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Proposed the Idea While Serving as President of the National Association of State Treasurers Chicago, IL — Today, these founding institutions announce the formation of the National Consortium on Education Savings Research (529 Consortium) , a multi-institution research partnership designed to increase understanding of and participation in education savings plans, especially among underserved and underrepresented families. The 529 Consortium brings together leading researchers, state treasurers and other state sponsors, and program administrators to build an integrated data infrastructure and conduct policy-relevant research on education savings initiatives.…

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Twin toddler boys riding small bikes on a sidewalk

The Days Are Long but the Years Are Short

When people ask how I am doing these days, I often respond “exhausted.” My job keeps me very busy and I enjoy it, but it’s not why I’m tired. Our twins are almost 3, and although I love them very much, I suspect they might be stealing energy from me. I don’t know how else to explain how at the end of the day, they seem to have so much, while I have so little left in the tank. They may look like a tough biker gang, but they can,…

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Child holding a blue piggy bank. In the background are logos for Bright Start 529 and Bright Directions 529

In Observance of National 529 Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Encourages Families to Save for Higher Education Costs

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is recognizing 529 Day today, May 29, by encouraging families to save for future education through Illinois’ highly rated Bright Start 529 or Bright Directions 529 college savings plans. Frerichs also announced new enhancements to the advisor-guided Bright Directions 529 plan. “While ‘529 Day’ is tied to the calendar date of May 29, the observance highlights the importance of planning ahead and making education more affordable for Illinois families. It’s always a good time to plan for the future by opening or adding…

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Mila the dog in the snow

Our Family Feels a Little Smaller

Mila, our family dog, passed away six months ago. It came soon after I last wrote about her. I thought I would share this news sooner, but Mila’s passing has been more difficult than I imagined. I was in the first grade when my friend’s dog bit me on the leg. I had a fear of dogs for a very long time, and it would be fair to say that I was not a dog person. When I met Erica, her dating profile didn’t quite say “Must Love Dogs,” but…

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