Families Urged to Plan for Future Education Costs

RICHMOND, VA--(Marketwired - September 05, 2015) - To prepare for the start of the school year, parents shop sales and write checks for school fees, supplies and new clothes. But are they planning for the higher education expenses looming down the road? That's the question Virginia529 College Savings Plan (Virginia529) asks each September.

Governor Terry McAuliffe proclaimed September "College Savings Month," stating that "post-secondary education is an investment in one's future which opens doors to better jobs and higher earnings."

Virginia529 offers programs that help families save tax free for qualified higher education expenses at eligible educational institutions such as colleges, graduate schools, vocational schools and technical institutions. To encourage parents, grandparents and individuals to start saving, this month the agency is holding information sessions around the state and awarding accounts valued from $529 to $2,500.

To open a Virginia529 account with as little as $25 and find out more about this month's special events, visit Virginia529.com/collegesavingsmonth.

Virginia529 CEO Mary Morris points out that students of any age, whether they are newborns, middle school students or adults who require additional training to advance their careers, may be the beneficiary of a Virginia529 savings account. She encourages everyone to find out more and take advantage of College Savings Month initiatives to jump start their planning and saving.

About Virginia529 College Savings Plan:
Virginia529 is a 529 college savings plan that offers flexible, affordable, tax-advantaged savings for qualified higher education expenses through its four programs: Virginia529 prePAID ℠ (prePAID ℠), Virginia529 inVEST ℠ (inVEST ℠), CollegeAmerica® and CollegeWealth®. More than $55 billion in assets under management and 2.4 million accounts as of July 31, 2015 make Virginia529 the largest 529 plan available. For more information on Virginia529's college savings options, visit Virginia529.com or call 1-888-567-0540 to obtain program materials. These include information on Virginia529 programs, investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information; read and consider them carefully before investing. All investments are subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Virginia529 encourages prospective participants to seek the advice of a professional concerning any financial, tax or legal implications related to opening an account. For residents of states other than Virginia: your state or the beneficiary's state of residence (if different) may sponsor a 529 plan that offers state income tax and other benefits not available to you through Virginia529 College Savings Plan. ©2015 Virginia College Savings Plan. All Rights Reserved.