No-Sweat Summer Savings for Busy Families
Whenever another hot, sticky summer arrives in South Carolina, most of us can be found searching for the perfect shady spot to enjoy a large iced tea. Soaring temperatures and high humidity combine to define the “lazy days of summer.” But even sweltering heat can’t slow down smart parents who are carving out time this season to make plans for their child’s bright future.
Parents who want to be ready to meet the cost of higher education find that South Carolina’s Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan is the no-sweat way to save for college. Future Scholar makes it easy to contribute slowly and steadily over time, so parents have the opportunity to build 529 savings and reduce their child’s need for college loans.
So, come inside, beat the heat and make use of some of Future Scholar’s favorite parent-friendly features.
Make your contributions automatic
One of the easiest ways to keep your savings plan going strong all through the year, every year, is to automate contributions. Not only does it make for one less thing you’ll need to remember, it only takes a few minutes to set up. And best of all, you’ll always have complete control.
Future Scholar makes it simple for you to get started online. Automatic transfers from your bank account to your Future Scholar 529 account can take place monthly, every other month, or quarterly—your choice. You can also pick the day of the month for the transfer, so you can easily time it with your paycheck. You can be sure you’re paying the most important people in your life - your family - first.
Get your children involved in saving
If your children are old enough to have summer jobs, encourage them to set a little of their earnings aside to contribute to college savings. It will let them feel the pride of helping their Future Scholar account grow.
We know understanding how to save and learning to set financial priorities are important lessons children gain through doing. Saving for college helps your children learn these skills. It also encourage kids to think about their educational goals and how to reach them. Children learn that they can enjoy some of the money they earn now AND save to reach their future educational and professional goals.
College savings anywhere, any time
You can find easy instructions for setting up recurring contributions or making extra deposits online, along with everything else you need to open or manage an account. Automate your deposits while waiting for the burgers to grill - or once the kids are in bed, relax, review and manage your Future Scholar account.
Still need to open an account for a member of the family? Future Scholar has designed its online application with busy parents in mind. The whole process takes only 15 minutes. And if you’re interrupted by someone who needs a popsicle immediately, no worries! Your application is saved, and you can pick up where you left off later.
Future Scholar also provides a short online checklist of the information you’ll need to get started. There’s no minimum amount required to open an account, and you can make any changes you like later. So, no matter where the summer takes you, you can beat the “heat” of future college expenses with Future Scholar’s no-sweat savings options.