Talking to kids about money isn’t always easy, but it can be fun. With a bit of creativity, families can turn future planning into something kids look forward to.  A 529 College Savings Plan makes it simple for parents, grandparents, and guardians to save for a child’s education, and just as importantly, it offers an excellent opportunity to help kids learn about goals, responsibility, and the power of small steps.

Here are a few playful, kid-friendly ways to make saving for their future exciting:

1. Turn It Into a Game

Kids love challenges. Create a “Savings Scoreboard” where they can track their contributions, whether it’s birthday money, a portion of their allowance, or a reward for helping around the house. Seeing their progress visually helps them stay engaged and take pride in their efforts.

2. Celebrate Milestones

Did your child reach a savings goal, big or small? Celebrate it! A special sticker, a family high-five moment, or a fun note of encouragement helps reinforce that saving is something to be proud of. 529 accounts grow over time, and marking milestones keeps kids motivated along the way.

3. Make It Personal

Let kids dream big. Whether they picture themselves as a scientist, teacher, artist, or engineer, connecting the idea of saving to their future aspirations makes it more meaningful. Talk about how their 529 account is one way you’re helping them get closer to those dreams.

4. Tie It Into Everyday Life

Future learning isn’t just about college; there are many paths kids can take. As you visit museums, libraries, sports events, or science centers, mention how their 529 savings could help them pursue interests like these one day. It helps them connect saving with real-life experiences they already love.

5. Let Family Join the Fun

When relatives contribute to their 529 account as a birthday or holiday gift, kids can see that the people they love believe in their future, too. Encourage them to create homemade thank-you cards or videos, turning gratitude into a fun tradition.

Saving Today for Tomorrow’s Adventures

Every contribution to a 529 College Savings Plan account, no matter how small, helps build a foundation for future opportunities. And when saving feels exciting and empowering, kids begin to understand that they’re investing in something big: their own dreams.

With 529 College Savings Plan, families can make planning for the future simple, meaningful, and yes… even fun.

About the Author
Cheryl Rapp is the College Investment Program Finance Officer at the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, which oversees Edvest, Wisconsin’s 529 Plan. Edvest has been helping families save for education since 1997. Rapp has over 25 years of experience working for the State as the College Affordability Specialist prior to joining the College Savings Program.  Her experience includes educating students, parents, teachers, and school counselors on the value of and how to complete the Free Application for Financial Student Aid. In her current role as College Investment Finance Officer for the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program, Rapp manages outreach to Wisconsin residents. She works to increase awareness of the plans among Wisconsin residents while helping them begin saving for their children’s higher education. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, from which she earned a bachelor’s degree in Humanistic Studies.