A Message from State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald

DES MOINES, IA (12/01/2015)(readMedia)-- Earlier this fall, my office launched a new financial literacy initiative introducing families across Iowa to the benefits of using a 529 plan to save for a loved one's higher education. College Savings Iowa InFocus is an interactive learning experience that serves as a testament to our message: by starting early, saving regularly and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them.

Our 10 minute tutorial explores the ins-and-outs of 529 plans and details the specific benefits of College Savings Iowa. Along with this great learning opportunity, we are offering even more ways to grow your college savings: anyone who completes the tutorial is automatically registered to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account. For those families who take the first step towards saving, we are also contributing an additional $10 to the first 500 people who complete the tutorial and open a College Savings Iowa account. The newly established accounts must have a minimum $25 contribution and be opened within seven days of tutorial completion to be eligible for the $10 contribution. Visit Iowa529InFocus.com to complete the tutorial and see the official rules.

An investment in your children's education is an investment in their future. I encourage you to make time to evaluate your college savings strategies today. With the cost of higher education rising faster than inflation, nearly every family will face the question of how to pay for it when the time comes. Thankfully, the answer is quite simple – start saving today!

Visit Iowa529InFocus.com to complete the tutorial. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com or call 888-672-9116. Also, be sure to join the college savings conversation by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan) to learn about future giveaways, college savings tips and events.

Help make college a reality for the children in your life by starting to save today – you will be glad you did!

Michael L. Fitzgerald

Treasurer of State

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.