GREENSBORO, NC -- You have $25 to spend on a kid in your life. There's nothing wrong with a restaurant gift card, a toy, but how about giving them a head start on money for college?
Takeila Hall joined 2WTK to give us the ins and outs of the North Carolina 529 program.
"The NC 529 Plan can be used at any college and university, NOT just in NC. The savings account can be used for tuition, books, room and board and more and the $25 opens the account and you can contribute as much or as little as you want at any time."
And before you think, "they're already in middle school or high school, how much can this help?" Hill says, "any money for college is better than no money for college. "
According to Sallie Mae, in 2016 only 57% of parents with children under age 18 are saving for college. And on average, parents have just $16,380 saved for their child's college education.
It doesn't have to be the parents who start this 529. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, family friends can all start the fund for the child.
And as an added incentive, NC 529 is celebrating the season of giving by hosting the Lucky Three Drawing. Any active NC 529 account holders can enter up until December 31st. Three lucky winners will have $529 added to their account.