Dear Carrie,
I have $85,000 to invest for my grandchildren's education. Where would you suggest I invest it?
--A Reader
Dear Reader,
I applaud your idea wholeheartedly--with just one caveat. Before you move ahead, make absolutely sure you won't need that money for your own retirement. It's great to be generous, but only make this gift to your grandkids if you're confident you'll have the financial resources you'll need for yourself. To me, retirement is one time when it's okay to be a little selfish.
That said, investing in a child's education is a wonderful gift. To do it thoughtfully, there are essentially four options to consider: a 529 plan, a custodial account, a trust account, or simply using your own account with the plan to make gifts to your grandchildren later. Here are the basics of each.
A 529 plan is the most popular tax-deferred vehicle
In a 529 account, earnings grow federally tax deferred and withdrawals aren't taxed as long as the money is used for "qualified" higher education expenses--things like tuition and fees, room and board, books and school supplies. (Make sure to keep the receipts!)
The federal tax advantages of a 529 are a big plus, but there are also additional benefits:
- An individual can contribute70,000 (140,000 for a married couple) in a single year without triggering gift taxes (provided no additional gifts are made over the next five years).
- You control the assets. The child is the beneficiary but can't access the money directly.
- You can transfer unused assets to other family members. Say one grandchild was college bound, but the other wasn't. The 529 assets could be shifted to the one headed for college without penalty.
- Some states offer tax deductions and even tax credits for 529 contributions.
What's not to like? Well, 529 plans may offer fewer investment choices than some custodial accounts or trusts, and trading and exchanges are often limited. Plus, the funds can only be used for higher education; if you withdraw them for some other reason, you'll pay federal and state taxes on any investment income, plus a 10 percent penalty.
For the record, a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) also has tax benefits and can be used for elementary and secondary education as well as college. The drawback is that annual contributions are limited to $2,000, and then only if you qualify based on your adjusted gross income.
A custodial account allows more investment flexibility
If you're sure your grandkids will go to college, a 529 plan makes sense. But if your goal is simply to give them some financial assistance later in life, you might consider a custodial account. It's generally more flexible than a 529 in terms of what you can invest in, and how your grandkids can use the money.
That second point can be a double-edged sword. While you control the investments now, the assets become the beneficiary's at 18, 21, or 25 (depending on your state and your wishes). Theoretically, your grandchild could reach the legal age and cash out the account to buy a Ferrari, and there'd be nothing you could do about it. That's something to think about.
Earnings don't grow tax-deferred and there are no qualifying tax free withdrawals, as in a 529 plan, but a custodial account may offer a tax benefit: Under the 2016 tax code, the first $1,050 of investment earnings are tax-free and the next $1,050 is taxed at the child's (usually lower) rate; after that the marginal tax rate goes up to the parents' rate.
You also need to be aware of the gift tax exclusion. While there are no limits on the amount you can contribute to a custodial account, currently an individual can only contribute a maximum of $14,000 per year ($28,000 per couple) without triggering the gift tax.
A trust account gives you more control
If you want more control over the money, look at a trust account, either a Crummey Trust (the odd name comes from the first person who successfully set one up) or a 2503(c) Minor's Trust. These are more complex and more expensive than your other options. If they sound appealing, consult a trust expert. With a trust account, you're also limited to the annual gift tax exclusion.
A final option: Keep it in your own account
One final option is simply to earmark that money for your grandchildren and keep it in an account in your own name. Of course, you'd need to stipulate your intentions in your will (or set up a trust), and think about estate taxes. But the pluses are that you'll have complete control over how the money is invested and how and when it's disbursed. And if you should happen to need the money yourself, it'll be available.
You have a lot of options, although given the amount of money you plan to invest, the 529 plan may make the most sense. Pick one with low expenses and a wide range of investment choices, and then choose investments that match the time horizon you need and offer plenty of diversification. Target funds, which rebalance automatically as the date of matriculation grows nearer, offer a simple solution, so check them out.
Whatever you choose, I'm sure your generosity will be remembered for years to come.
Note: Target date funds asset allocations are subject to change over time in accordance with each fund's prospectus.
The values of target date funds will fluctuate up to and after the target dates. There is no guarantee the funds will provide adequate income at or through retirement.
Target date funds are built for investors who expect to start gradual withdrawals of fund assets on the target date, to begin covering expenses in retirement. The principal value of the funds is not guaranteed at any time. Also, please note that the target date represents an approximate date when investors may plan to begin withdrawing from the fund.
Looking for answers to your retirement questions? Check out Carrie's new book, "The Charles Schwab Guide to Finances After Fifty: Answers to Your Most Important Money Questions."
This article originally appeared on Schwab.com. You can e-mail Carrie at askcarrie@schwab.com, or click here for additional Ask Carrie columns. This column is no substitute for an individualized recommendation, tax, legal or personalized investment advice. Asset allocation and diversification cannot ensure a profit or eliminate the risk of investment losses. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager. Diversification cannot ensure a profit or eliminate the risk of investment losses.
The information on this website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.
COPYRIGHT 2016 CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC. MEMBER SIPC.