Smart Savings starts now.
The Bright Babies program helps new parents begin to save in their child's first year. Open a new account and we will make a $100 contribution to your child's college savings.
Who is eligible:
- Any child who has not celebrated his or her first birthday.
- Any adopted child who has not yet celebrated the one-year anniversary of their adoption.
- Children must be residents of West Virginia at the time the Bright Babies enrollment form is submitted
Open an account today:
Complete the SMART529 account paperwork and check the Bright Babies enrollment box. Download the forms or call 866-574-3542.
Hurry! They grow up fast and this program is only available for their first year.
What is a 529 Plan?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage families to save for college. Earnings on 529 investments accumulate tax-tree, and distributions are tax-exempt, as long as they are applied toward eligible education expenses such as tuition and room and board. Non-qualified withdrawals are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of earnings and may also be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. The investments underlying a 529 plan typically consist of mutual funds. Investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose money by investing in the Plan.
New in 2024
Change of plans? If your child chooses not to attend college, you may rollover a portion of your 529 account funds to a Roth IRA, subject to certain requirements.
First Steps in Financial Planning
Enter your email to download this 1-page checklist to have on hand for your baby’s first year!