On average, a recipient of a college degree can expect to earn an extra $1 million dollars over a lifetime. Help give your children every advantage with Nebraska’s College Savings Plans. The plans make saving for college simple and affordable. They offer tax-saving advantages and provide multiple investment options—helping you make higher education a reality for your children.

The college savings plans are qualified tuition programs under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, which governs all state programs. There are four plans within the Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust – NEST Direct College Savings Plan, NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, the TD Ameritrade 529 College Savings Plan, and the State Farm College Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as the Program Trustee. First National Bank of Omaha serves as the Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council.

Nebraska’s 529 Program began in 2001 to encourage parents and grandparents to save for their children’s college expenses. The plans allow tax-free investments as you save for college, and qualified withdrawals for higher education expenses are federal and state income tax-free. Account owners also qualify for up to a $5,000 Nebraska state income tax deduction. Funds can be used at eligible schools nationwide and some foreign schools.

The Nebraska College Savings Plans are designed to meet the needs of every family and every budget. For more information call 402-471-2455, or contact your financial advisor.

Eight Nebraska seventh and eighth graders were recognized Sunday at Werner Park in Papillion for their winning entries in the Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust (NEST) 2013 essay contest, “Why I Want to Go to College.”

The winners were congratulated by State Treasurer Don Stenberg, Trustee of NEST, before the start of the game between the Omaha Storm Chasers and Las Vegas 51s. Each winner was introduced to the crowd over the loudspeaker and given a certificate from Treasurer Stenberg. One winner from Nebraska and three from outside the state were unable to attend.

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