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Do you use an investment advisor? Recent 529 plan overhaul makes it cheaper and easier to save for education in Oregon

Do you use an investment advisor? Recent 529 plan overhaul makes it cheaper and easier to save for education in Oregon

 Content Editor

March 17, 2023



State Treasurer Tobias Read wants it to be as easy as possible for Oregonians to save for job training and higher education—no matter how they do it.

That’s why the Oregon State Treasury offers two different options to invest for future education costs. There’s the Oregon College Savings Plan, which is available to individuals who open their own accounts. And there’s the MFS 529 Savings Plan, which is available to people who hire investment advisors or brokers to manage their money.

No matter which option that people choose, their savings are professionally managed in a suite of industry-leading mutual funds and insured options. In addition, savers can qualify for a state income tax credit worth up to $300 for Oregon filers each year.

“Saving for your child’s education today positions them for long-term success in the future,” said Treasurer Read.

In February, Treasurer Read and MFS Investment Management announced several changes that will make it cheaper, easier, and more accessible for those who invest with advisors via the MFS 529 Savings Plan option.

Highlights include:

  • Replacing the plan’s age-based investment options with enrollment-year funds. This new glide path adjusts investment risk based on projected enrollment year, or the date when money will be needed for educational expenses.

  • Simplified fees. Pricing has been adjusted to benefit investors, while providing access to industry-leading portfolios with the lowest-cost underlying MFS mutual funds.

  • Improved online access through a new portal. Provided by recordkeeper BNY Mellon, the portal offers expanded online functionality and control over individual accounts, including transaction processing, tuition payment automation, and expanded gifting options.

“The benefits of the newly modernized MFS 529 Savings Plan are unmistakable. The streamlined plan provides clearer options, making investment choices easier for Oregonians in pursuit of their higher education dreams,” said Treasurer Read.

Both the MFS 529 Savings Plan and the Oregon College Savings Plan are made available through the Oregon Treasury Savings Network, and overseen by the Oregon 529 Savings Board, chaired by Treasurer Read.

For more information about the Oregon College Savings Plan or to open an account on your own, visit: OregonCollegeSavings.com.

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