College Resources & News from CFNC

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NC 529 IMAGE 529 Rollover
October 23, 2023
529 Rollover: Approved Ways That Your Funds Can Move

Before deciding to initiate a 529 rollover, you should understand the limitations of where this money can move and what it can be used for. (Yes, it still needs to be used for education purposes to avoid taxes, penalties, and fees.) Learn how to move your hard-earned savings from a 529 plan to another account and make the most of your leftovers!

NC 529 IMAGE 529 Plan Penalty
October 23, 2023
529 Plan Penalty: Approved Expenses and How to Avoid Fees

Most people would say the NC 529 plan’s top perk is its tax benefits. Earnings grow and remain tax-free when withdrawn for qualified education expenses. But every now and then, the unexpected happens, and you may consider withdrawing funds for non-qualified expenses. Or maybe you have leftover funds sitting in the account after your child has graduated from college and aren’t sure how else to use them.

NC 529 IMAGE Qualified Education Expenses
September 11, 2023
7 Qualified Education Expenses You Can Pay for With Your 529 Savings

Explore our list of qualified education expenses for your 529 savings account. From tuition to school supplies, your savings can help with many college costs.

NC 529 IMAGE 529 Rules To Be Mindful Of
September 11, 2023
529 Account Rules to Be Mindful Of

When you open a 529 plan in North Carolina, it's crucial to understand how it works. Learn the most important 529 account rules, and how to properly withdraw funds.

NC 529 IMAGE Ultimate Guide
September 5, 2023
The Ultimate Guide to Using 529 Funds—without Breaking the Rules

If you’re thinking about opening an NC 529 Account to save for your child’s college or K–12 education, it probably comes as no surprise there are do’s and don’ts for that too. Don’t fret, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to using 529 funds, so you can confidently “do” all the “do’s” when the time comes.

NC 529 IMAGE Benefits Of College Savings Accounts
September 5, 2023
7 Benefits of College Savings Accounts

Figuring out how to pay for college can be daunting, but a great education is priceless, so it’s worth it for families to plan ahead. We believe it’s never too early to start planning for a college education with an NC 529 Account. Here’s a list of seven benefits of college savings accounts.

NC 529 IMAGE Calculator
August 16, 2023
NC 529 Calculator: Deciding How Much to Save

Use this NC 529 calculator to help you determine how much you should be saving for college. Get tips for savings methods, and how much to ask family to contribute.

NC 529 IMAGE How To Save For College In 4 Years
August 16, 2023
How to Save for College When Your Child is in High School

The drive to save for college often kicks into high gear when a child starts high school. If you haven’t been putting away money like you’d hoped, don’t fret! Here are some tips to help you get moving.

College Funding Sources
July 5, 2023
College Funding Sources & Their Impact on Financial Aid

Figuring out how to pay for college can be overwhelming, especially because there are so many college funding sources available. From federal and private loans to different types of savings accounts and investments, it can be difficult to know which option is best.

March 7, 2023
New Law Allows NC 529 Funds to be Used Tax-Free for Retirement

Families can now save for college and retirement at the same time with the NC 529 Plan, North Carolina’s National Education Savings Program. Starting in 2024, excess NC 529 funds can be rolled over tax-free into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, thanks to a provision in the SECURE 2.0 Act.