quote:
Morningstar recently released its 2018 rankings of the best and worst 529 college-savings plans, and the report cards revealed vast differences in the quality of the programs. In all, the financial company analyzed and scored 62 plans nationwide, representing about 95 percent of the more than $300 billion invested.

quote:
Morningstar gave only four plans its highest rating (gold): Illinois' Bright Start College Savings, Virginia's Invest 529, Nevada's Vanguard 529 College Savings and Utah's Educational Savings Plan.

Nine plans in these states received a silver ranking: Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Alabama, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, California and Alaska. Eighteen plans got a bronze rating.

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The five plans at the bottom of the list mostly got the lowest rating because they haven't followed the trend of reducing fees. The state plans with the lowest ratings are: North Dakota's College SAVE, Florida's 529 Savings Plan, New Jersey's Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings, Arkansas' GIFT College Investing Plan and Nebraska's TD Ameritrade 529 College Savings.

LINK

I use the UESP 529 which is no longer called UESP, but rather My529.

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Posted by The Easter Bunny

Santa Barbara

Member since Jan 2005

45615 posts

Posted on 11/3/18 at 5:26 pm to OleWarSkuleAlum

Thanks for posting. My first child will be born in the next 3 weeks so I’ve been researching plans. I didn’t see Louisiana on the rankings even looking at the Morningstar site. Seems like a no-brainer for someone in state with the matching available

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Posted by Lsupimp

Ersatz Amerika-97.6% phony & fake

Member since Nov 2003

84096 posts

Posted on 11/4/18 at 6:08 pm to OleWarSkuleAlum

I would be hesitant to park my money in any State plan for a state that has scandalously high unfunded liabilities. Like Illinois or California etc. When the kleptocrats go looking for money, they tend to look where the money is.

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Posted by UpstairsComputer

Prairieville

Member since Jan 2017

1736 posts

Posted on 11/6/18 at 8:39 am to Lsupimp

quote:
I would be hesitant to park my money in any State plan for a state that has scandalously high unfunded liabilities. Like Illinois or California etc. When the kleptocrats go looking for money, they tend to look where the money is.

I agree with the sentiment but the funds are held at Vanguard. The state would have to rob Vanguard, not it's own coffers.

To add, our state plan has won many awards in the past and nothing significant has changed. It's super inexpensive, matching funds, tax deductions, etc. I'd say the only knock is the technology platform leaves something to be desired in 2018, but even the customer service isn't terrible.

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Posted by lsujro

north of the wall

Member since Jul 2007

4014 posts

Posted on 11/6/18 at 9:06 am to Lsupimp

quote:
I would be hesitant to park my money in any State plan for a state that has scandalously high unfunded liabilities. Like Illinois or California etc. When the kleptocrats go looking for money, they tend to look where the money is.

I'd say this is about as likely as the government physically coming into your home to remove your guns. Just not going to happen, despite the fear mongering.

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