elliot_gibson27•2d agoProlific Poster

I used to think a 529 plan was only for college, but a blog post from a financial advisor in Austin showed me it can be for trade school too.

I was reading this article last week about saving for kids' futures, and it mentioned that 529 money can pay for things like welding or HVAC programs. I always figured it was just for a four-year university. The post said over 35% of the jobs in the next decade won't need a bachelor's degree, which really surprised me. That changes how my wife and I are looking at our son's fund, because he's way more into fixing things than book learning. Has anyone else used a 529 for a non-traditional path like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_lisa2d agoMost Upvoted

Honestly that's a great point, and more people should know about it. Tbh I thought the same thing until my cousin used his for a coding bootcamp. The one thing I'd add is that the 35% number feels a bit low from what I've seen lately, a lot of reports are saying it's even higher for skilled trades. It's smart you're thinking this way early, it gives you way more options.

wilson.joseph2d ago

Wait, you're saying it's higher for trades? My buddy's kid did an electrician program and the placement rate was crazy good, like way over half his class got hired right out. @the_lisa might be onto something there.

wesley_jones2d ago

Guess we're all just making up numbers now. I mean, my uncle's neighbor's dog walker heard it's at 50%. Feels like we're just throwing stats at the wall to see what sticks.