A 529 plan is a college savings plan that allows individuals to save for college on a tax-advantaged basis. Every state offers at least one 529 plan.
Whether a state tax deduction and/or application fee savings are available depends on your state of residence. For information concerning 529 plans, including information comparing the performance of difference states’ 529 plans, contact your financial professional. Before investing in a 529 plan, you should find out about the particular plan and its fees and expenses.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. This information is found in the issuer’s official statement and should be read carefully before investing.
Investors should also consider whether the investor’s or beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits available only from that state's 529 Plan. Any state-based benefit should be one of many appropriately weighted factors in making an investment decision. The investor should consult their financial or tax advisor before investing in any state's 529 Plan.
For additional information concerning 529 plans, FINRA offers several valuable online tools: a comprehensive online learning center, Saving for College, which includes a 529 Plan Expense Analyzer. The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy also provides information concerning 529 plans at: https://www.sec.gov/reportspubs/investor-publications/investorpubsintro529htm.html.
If you purchase a 529 plan through Cetera Advisors, both Cetera Advisors and your financial professional receive compensation from the 529 plan program sponsor in much the same manner as it does when you purchase mutual funds. For additional information concerning sources of compensation to Cetera Advisors, please see the Revenue Cetera Advisors LLC Receives from Registered and Alternative Product Sponsors and the underlying ETF and/or mutual fund(s') prospectus(es) for the 529 plan you are considering. Each prospectus will also describe in detail liquidity issues and risks associated with investing in those funds offered through 529 plans.