(September 14,2021) When I was young, back to school time meant Mom created checklists. Keeping track of things like supplies, clothes, lunches, after school care, field trips, sports schedules and equipment was nearly a full-time job with three boys. Creating a plan and doing our best were themes my family used in everything we did, especially planning for college.
(August 12, 2021) When I started working for the GET Program in 2005, I had a 3-year-old and 1-year-old. At the time I had never heard of a 529 Plan, but I quickly learned the importance of preparing and saving early for my children’s college education.
My husband and I were spending what was equivalent to a mortgage payment to pay for childcare and didn’t have a lot of extra money. It wasn’t until they were both in grade school, and we no longer had the expense of childcare, that we setup GET accounts for each of them.
(July 26, 2021) - There is nothing like experiencing your baby’s firsts! I will never forget the turquoise dress my daughter wore when she took her first steps, or the little hoodie my son had on when he learned to walk. Looking back brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.
(July 13, 2021) - In 2018 my first child graduated from high school and I officially became a college parent. During our search for colleges, we realized my daughter’s dream of becoming a screenwriter was not going to become reality at an in-state public university. Searching beyond state universities was not in “my” plan. We were lucky to find a fantastic out-of-state screenwriting program that was affordable after she was awarded scholarships, grants, and loans. Of course, we still had expenses to pay after scholarships and financial aid were awarded.
(June 22, 2021) - “Hey Nana, I want to be an engineer when I grow up!” said one of my grandchildren. “I am going to college…somewhere!”
Each of them are unique and passionate about learning. Crafts, Lego building, podcasts, coding (yes, already at age 8) and dress-up time fill their days. They venture outside any chance they get. They find the beauty in nature and have natural curiosities about most everything.
My husband and I have five grandchildren and enjoy our time with our “little ones.”
(June 10, 2021) - Listen to WA529 Director Luke Minor's interview with Seattle’s Hot 103.7 KHTP-FM 'Conversations' host Bre Ruiz. Bre and Luke talk about why WA529 plans GET and DreamAhead are great options for those wanting to save for their students' future education.
(June 9, 2021)-Blue skies, sunshine, flowers and planted gardens indicate summer is almost here. After 14 months of pandemic life, we are all eager for summer. I’m enjoying extra time outside and anticipating family vacation. Alas, I need to slow down. The 2020-21 school year isn’t over yet. Important milestones are coming up.
(May 12, 2021) - Senate Bill 5430 passed the Washington Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Inslee on May 10, 2021. When the bill took effect on July 24, 2021, it limited the future price of GET units to no more than 10 percent above that year’s current unit payout value, which is based on in-state tuition rates. This price limit will apply as long as the current state tuition policy remains in effect and GET’s funded status remains over 120%.
(May 1-29, 2021)-*This promotion is now CLOSED* Thank you for playing Hide-and-Seek with Hootie! If you were one of the first 10 participants who identified locations for all 7 books that were hidden on the WA529 website, you will be notified soon! Be sure to check your email if you found all 7 books!
Remember playing Hide-and-Seek? Play a Virtual Game of Hide-and-Seek and Look for Books with Hootie!
(April 11, 2021)-Saving and financial knowledge are important parts of children’s lives. With my kids, it began by reading stories that introduced money awareness. Curious George Saves His Pennies was a favorite. We counted coins and dropped them into piggy banks. We took advantage of teachable moments in everyday life. While shopping, dining out, or on a road trip, we talked about money concepts like needs vs. wants or how much things cost.