Last spring, my son was taking his pre-K cap and gown pictures. It was the cutest thing. My husband went to go snap a picture and he did the whole little pointing pose — and I instantly saw this 22-year-old grown man walking across the stage and doing that same little look. It instantly brought me to tears because I thought, oh my goodness, this is going to flash by so fast. And what we do today matters so much in how we set them up.

If you've ever thought, "am I doing enough to set up my kids for that future version of themselves?", this blog post is for you!

Why Most Moms Don’t Start Investing (Even When They Want To)

Most moms want to set up their kids but push it off for a number of reasons. And I say this with so much love, but later gets really expensive. Because what your child's future needs more than anything isn't a big lump sum. It's not some magical number that appears and suddenly you can do it. The only thing it needs is time. And every month that we wait and put this off, we are quietly giving away our most powerful financial asset.

Before we talk about the 529, before we talk about any account, I need you to settle something into your heart. I really believe that investing for your kids and investing for yourself is an act of stewardship. It may be a little challenging and uncomfortable at first because it's new and you're learning. But remember what Galatians 6:9 says: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Investing for your family's future is a good thing. It might be a little challenging, but that doesn't mean there's nothing good waiting for you on the other side. When we plant a seed into our kids' future, we are trusting God with the harvest. And really, that's what this whole conversation is about.

So, What Is a 529?

A lot of people have heard this term and kind of nodded along like they know what it means. No shame if that's you, let's break it down simply!

A 529 is a tax-advantaged savings account specifically designed for education expenses.

Here's what that means in plain English: you put money in, it grows, and when your kid uses it for qualifying education expenses — like college tuition, room and board, and even some K–12 private school costs — you don't pay taxes on the growth. That's the gift behind a 529: you invest, it compounds, and Uncle Sam doesn't take a cut when it's used for school.

Every state usually has its own 529 plan. You don't have to use your own state's plan, but if your state has an income tax, you might get a tax deduction for contributing. I live in Florida, and Florida doesn't have a state income tax, so that's not a factor for us, but it's definitely something to look into depending on where you live!

Why I Love a 529 (and Why We're Using One for Our Son)

1. The tax-free growth is really powerful. We're talking about money that compounds over potentially 18 years without being taxed on the gains. Let's say I invest $1,000 and it grows into $30,000 by the time my son goes to college. He could use that entire $30,000 for school and not get taxed on it at all. We invested $1,000, and $29,000 of it was interest and compounding that happened inside the account, all because of time!

2. You stay in control. Unlike some other options, you as the parent own this account. You decide how it's invested. And if your kid doesn't end up needing it for college — maybe they get a scholarship, maybe they're called a different route — you can change the beneficiary to any other child, or even yourself. You can transfer it to future grandkids, grandparents, even first cousins. You are not stuck just giving it to the one kid listed as beneficiary today.

3. Starting small is enough. You don't need thousands of dollars. Many 529 plans allow you to open an account with just $25. There are really no minimums or maximums when it comes to contributing. The point is, you can start wherever you are.

4. It's more flexible than you think. A 529 isn't just for a four-year degree at a typical college. You can use up to $10,000 a year for K–12 education and books. Any qualifying amount can be used for an accredited trade school. It can cover room and board, even off-campus. And like I mentioned, you can transfer it to just about anyone in your family.

5. Unused funds can now roll into a Roth IRA. This is a newer rule from the last few years. Any unused amount can be transferred to a Roth IRA — up to $35,000 lifetime per beneficiary. This is a powerful tool for building generational wealth. Your kid can start investing for their own retirement with that money.

A 529 Isn't the Only Option

I want you to know this so you don't feel stuck if a 529 doesn't feel like the right fit right now.

There's also something called a UTMA, which stands for a Uniform Transfer to Minors Act account. Think of it as an investment account in your child's name, managed by you. It's much more flexible than a 529 because the money isn't restricted to education. It can be used for anything. One thing to keep in mind: it could affect financial aid eligibility if college is a route your child wants to pursue.

There's also a Roth IRA for kids, but this is for kids who have earned income from a real job, babysitting, or a family business. If you own your own business, there are actually several ways you can hire your kids. This is a longer conversation, but one to start having if you are an entrepreneur!

The point of all of this is: there is a way to start for your child right now, wherever you are. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be started.

Your One Step Today

Look up your state's 529 plan. Start the conversation with your husband. Start praying and asking the Lord to reveal what is the best option for your family. Don't sit in the overwhelm! Just move your feet and commit to something.

Real, generational, God-honoring wealth is built exactly this way. One faithful decision at a time. We don't have to know everything. We just move forward in trust and open hands.

And remember, my friend: ultimately, God brings the increase. You just bring the discipline.

If you liked this blog post, make sure to head over to our podcast and listen to the full episode!

Episode 9 | What is a 529 Plan and Do I Need One For My Kid?

Listen To The Episode

What questions do you have about 529s or other investment accounts for your kids?! Drop them in the comments!