The TNStars College Savings 529 Program

 
 
 

Children have dreams. Even when the dreams seem big and the future far away, a little planning today goes a long way tomorrow. You can start planning now and help your child become what they dream to be through the gift of a college education. As a parent, you understand that it’s never too early to start planning for tomorrow. That’s where the TNStars College Savings 529 Program comes in.

A 529 plan is designed to help families set-aside funds for future college costs. Named after Section 529 of the IRS Code that created them, 529 Plans are open to everyone and offer special tax advantages.

College Savings Made Easy

The TNStars® College Savings 529 Program is a simple, flexible way to save and invest for college. TNStars offers quality investment options to meet your needs, and we make it easy to start planning, narrowing the gap between those who strive to save and those who do.

 

The program—which is available through the Tennessee Treasury Department—features smart and flexible investment options, plus important tax savings to help your money go further.

The key to successful saving is to begin early. TNStars makes it easy to get started and continue to build your savings. It’s easy! You can open an account online in minutes with as little as $25.

 

Why TNStars?

 

 

 

You Can Do It Yourself, But You’re Not Alone

 

 

 

TNStars is a plan that you can manage yourself, on your own time, in your own home. However, just because you can do everything yourself doesn’t mean you’re alone—quite the opposite in fact! The program is managed by the Tennessee Treasury Department who works to monitor investment options and keep costs low so you can save even more.

 

 

 

It’s Your Choice

 

 

 

We strive to make sure your child has choices when it comes time for them to apply for college.

“Choices” means that you can choose from any educational institution that accepts federal aid, including public or private colleges, regardless of whether it’s in-state, out-of-state, or in another country. Give your child the flexibility to choose their own path, whether that keeps them close to home, or sends them around the world!

 

When your child is ready for college, funds can be used at any school that can accept federal financial aid including:

 

 

 

Four-year Universities

•Private Colleges

•Community Colleges

•Technical Schools

•Out-of-state Schools

 

Funds can also be used for college expenses required for attendance or enrollment including:

 

 

 

•Books

•Computers

•Fees

•Room and board

•Equipment and supplies

 

Your Money Isn’t Sitting Idle

 

 

 

TNStars offers multiple investment options and competitive returns. Our experienced team has compiled a portfolio of 15 diverse investment options, including an aged based option, to meet the needs of families. You can choose an investment option based on your timetable and comfort level with risk. With TNStars, your money isn’t sitting idle -it’s working for you.

 

Anyone Can Open or Contribute to an Account

 

 

 

You don’t have to be a parent to open an account. Whether you’re a godparent, an aunt, an uncle, or a family friend who wants to make a difference in the life of a child, TNStars can help. One of the most meaningful gifts you can give a child is a bright future, and few things are as empowering to child as a great education.

With some basic information about the beneficiary you can open an account on their behalf with only $25 and 15 minutes. If that child is already enrolled in TNStars, you can contribute directly to their account with our online gifting options.

 

 

 

Tax Advantages

 

 

 

When you give a gift to that special child in your life, you do it to help them succeed, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the special tax advantages TNStars offers you. With TNStars:

•Earnings are tax- free when used for qualified higher education expenses

•Contributions qualify for the annual federal gift tax exclusion

•While the account holder maintains complete control of the account, contributions are considered a completed gift to the beneficiary.

 

 

 

Incentives for Tennesseans

 

 

 

To encourage college savings across our State, we periodically offer monetary incentives for Tennessee residents throughout the year. Visit TNStars.com to find out more about current incentives offers. Additionally, there is a matching grant program available to Tennessee residents who meet certain income eligibility requirements, the Tennessee Investments Preparing Scholars (TIPS) Program.The program provides a 4-to-1 matching contribution for middle to lower income families who have set aside money in their child’s TNStars college savings account.

 

Questions?

 

To learn more about the TNStars College Savings 529 Program, visit TNStars.com or call toll free at 855-3TN-STAR (855-386-7827).