Treasurer Fitzgerald: Kidsfest is a Great Time to Learn About College Savings Iowa

DES MOINES, IA (02/22/2012)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald encourages those attending Kidsfest to visit the College Savings Iowa booth to register to win a $529 College Savings Iowa account. Kidsfest, a family-oriented event that features fun activities and entertainment for children and their families, will be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in the Varied Industries Building from March 2-4. Representatives from College Savings Iowa, the state-sponsored 529 plan, will be available for questions.

This year, the College Savings Iowa booth will give kids the opportunity to spin a wheel and win one of several prizes, including piggy banks, bookmarks and temporary tattoos. While kids are busy having a great time at the event, Treasurer Fitzgerald hopes parents will take a moment to look over some of the materials provided at the College Savings Iowa booth. "We all know how time seems to run away from us, and before you know it, it will be time to start thinking about college," Fitzgerald said. "The sooner you start saving for your child's college expenses, the better off you'll be later on. We're excited to have the opportunity to participate in Kidsfest again this year. It's a great event and a great way to get the word out about College Savings Iowa."

College Savings Iowa is designed to give families a tax-advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. Investors can choose from fourteen investment options, including four age-based investment tracks. Anyone – parents, grandparents, friends and relatives – can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $2,975 in contributions per beneficiary account from their 2012 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* To learn more about College Savings Iowa or to open an account, please visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

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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 the 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 www.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.

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