Start with your student’s school or start planning without one
Four steps, about ten minutes
No account needed to look around. Sign up when you want to save your plan.
- 01
Pick a school
Search any eligible school, in the US or abroad, and we pull its published cost of attendance.
- 02
Get a monthly goal
We turn that cost and your timeline into what to save each month, and say if you are on track.
- 03
Choose a 529 plan
Compare 85+ state plans by fees, tax benefits and independent ratings before you open one.
- 04
Bring the family
Invite grandparents and relatives to follow along, and get a note when costs change.
Everything here is free.
The Planner is built for the years before the first bill.
- A savings goal for every child and school
- Real costs for 5,700+ US colleges and 365 abroad
- 85+ state 529 plans, compared
- A forecast of whether the money lasts
- Plan alerts when costs or milestones change
- A built-in AI assistant
Already close to the first bill? See how to track spending from your 529.
Questions before you start
Is planning really free?
Yes, for good. The Planner has no trial and no card. Pro starts at $9 a month and only matters once you start spending from a 529.
I have not opened a 529 yet. Can I still start?
Yes. Pick a school, see the goal and compare state plans first. Many families open a 529 only after they know how much to save.
What if my child has not picked a school?
Choose a school you like as a stand-in, or plan without one. You can change it any time and your goal updates.
What happens when the bills start?
Everything you set up carries over. Upgrade to Pro to log expenses, check each one against IRS rules and keep records for tax time.