November 1, 2022 I filled with pride when my daughter became a first-time parent, but then it hit me: I was now a grandparent. I started to question what this role would look like, and I realized it was actually quite simple. I wanted to be a sound system of support and knew a 529 […]
By Michael Fitzgerald, State Treasurer of Iowa May 10, 2022 “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia,” mocked Jan Brady of The Brady Brunch as her sister Marcia received continued praise at school. Little did we know how symbolic this quote would become as a response to being jealous. Speaking of jealousy, the Bradys would have only had to […]
By Michael L. Fitzgerald, State Treasurer of Iowa March 15, 2022 While the shortest month of the year has passed, I’m not short on reasons to save for education with a 529 account. Informing families about the benefits of saving, and doing so early, is crucial in reducing the amount of student loan debt the children […]
By Michael L. Fitzgerald, State Treasurer of Iowa January 25, 2022 Although it may be hard to believe, I only paid $320 for tuition my first semester at the University of Iowa. Sounds unimaginable today, right? As higher education prices continue to skyrocket, building savings for the children in your life can feel like a daunting […]
By Michael L. Fitzgerald, State Treasurer of Iowa September 14, 2021 We often hear the phrase, “All of the joy without the responsibility,” tied to being a grandparent. While this is true at times, it’s not always an easy transition to this new stage in life. Some common questions a grandparent might have are, “How […]
By the Honorable Michael L. Fitzgerald, Iowa State Treasurer March 16, 2021 In the Midwest, we look forward to spring as the days are longer and brighter, the snow is melting and the weather is warmer. It’s a great opportunity for families to start cleaning up and organizing after a long winter bundled up at […]
By Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald, State Treasurer, State of Iowa January 5, 2021 Many people are ready to close the calendar on 2020 and focus on 2021, and I don’t blame them. To say 2020 has been a tough year may be an understatement, but the New Year gives us the opportunity to learn from […]
By Michael Fitzgerald, Iowa State Treasurer and administrator of Iowa’s 529 College Savings Programs September 8, 2020 Saving for the future education of our children is a full family affair, and everyone plays an incredibly important role when it comes to helping them achieve their dreams. As I’ve often said, it really does take a […]
By Paula Smith, Senior Vice President, DC and College Savings Strategy, Voya Investment Management August 25, 2020 Trying to picture your child heading off to college when they are just entering preschool is difficult. However, there is some truth to the adage “It goes by in the blink of an eye.” Even in the topsy-turvy […]
By Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald, State Treasurer, State of Iowa May 5, 2020 The spring semester for this school year has been frustrating and stress-inducing for many students and their families. While the future feels uncertain, I know our educators are still committed to teaching and supporting the children in our lives. The upcoming […]
By Michael Fitzgerald, Iowa State Treasurer January 21, 2020 As adults, we know how important it is to save and find ways to feel financially secure. However, getting our kids and grandkids on the same page might prove to be challenging. Coming up with fun and encouraging ways for them to learn about saving, […]
Hon. Michael L. Fitzgerald, State Treasurer, State of Iowa July 25, 2018 I’ve been known to repeat the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” For me, this means so much when it comes to saving for a child’s future education. Here in Iowa, we always like to tell parents, grandparents, aunts, […]