How to Money · Monday, July 27, 2026
New parents inquired about setting a savings goal for their daughter's 529 college savings plan, specifically concerning potential scholarships or the decision not to pursue a four-year degree. The hosts explained that unused 529 funds can be rolled into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, thanks to the Secure Act 2.0, making it a more flexible option. They suggested a target of $35,000 to $60,000, funded by about $100 per month, as a reasonable goal that balances potential growth with avoiding over-saving.
“My question about five twenty nine's. My husband and I recently had our first daughter in April and we set up a five twenty nine for her. We do plan to contribute a small amount monthly, but currently we're trying to decide what I guess the goal of the account would be as far as like a number.”
“Unused funds for college can be rolled into a roth IRA for your kiddo. They don't end up needing all that muney or even much of the money that you stalked away into that account. And that's thanks to the Secure Act two point zero.”
“When you run the numbers, one hundred dollars a month for about eighteen years, that's gonna likely be right at that sweet spot of around thirty five thousand dollars with compounding returns of five percent factored in, which is pretty conservative.”