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Saving for your kid’s future is one of those things that sounds simple in theory but gets complicated fast. Between 529 plans, investment accounts, standard savings, and just trying to keep up with life, we wanted to know—how are dads actually handling this?
We asked, and nearly 160 dads weighed in. The results? We’re all figuring this out together.
The Breakdown
Here’s how dads in our community are currently saving for their kids’ future:
- 48% are riding the 529 Plan train
- 19% have investment accounts
- 18% haven’t started yet (we see you, life is expensive)
- 13% stick to standard savings accounts
- 2% have other strategies
Numbers are cool, but the real story? That’s in the comments. Here’s what dads are actually saying about saving for their kids.
The Veterans: Chess, Not Checkers
Some of you are out here playing financial 4D chess while the rest of us are trying to stay on the board.
📌 One dad’s stacking benefits: "I'm combining a 529 with GI Bill benefits and taking advantage of new rules that let you roll unused 529 funds into an IRA. Potential for 60 years of compound interest if started when the kid is born. Talk about a little going a long way."
📌 Another’s all about diversification: "Actually doing all three—529, savings account, and investment account. Diversify your kids' savings just like you do with yours."
Takeaway: If you’re playing the long game, thinking beyond just college, and looking for tax-advantaged strategies, 529 plans + IRAs + brokerage accounts = a powerful combo.
The Questioners: Thinking Beyond 529 Plans
Some of you are rethinking the 529-first mentality and wondering if it’s the best move.
📌 "Given that the modal or median college degree is no longer a guarantee of financial success, it's worth debating 529 vs. an investment or retirement account."
📌 "What if my kid doesn’t go to college? Can I use a 529 for other things?"
Takeaway: 529 plans are great for tax advantages, but they aren’t the only way to save. Some dads are opting for brokerage accounts or custodial Roth IRAs for more flexibility.
The Real Talk: Saving Is Hard
Let’s be real—sometimes just making ends meet is the priority.
📌 "Between being a newish dad, a later-in-life career change, and buying a house, I feel like I’m treading water."
📌 "We’re waiting to knock out some debt before starting a 529."
Takeaway: If you haven’t started saving yet, you’re not alone. Getting your own financial house in order first—paying down debt, building an emergency fund—makes sense before worrying about college savings.
The Hungry to Learn: Looking for More Info
A lot of dads aren’t just saving—they’re actively looking for smarter ways to do it.
📌 "I'm open to suggestions for more ways to save for my kids’ future. I want to create generational wealth since I grew up in a lower-income household."
📌 "What are the pros and cons of each option? I want to know the best move for my situation."
Takeaway: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to saving for your kids, but understanding your options, tax benefits, and long-term impact can help you make smarter decisions.
The Bottom Line
There’s no perfect way to save for your kids’ future—there’s only what works best for you right now. Whether you’re maxing out a 529 plan, opening a custodial investment account, or just starting small with a savings account, the most important thing is to start somewhere.
Some of you asked for a deeper dive into these options—we hear you. Stay tuned for a comprehensive guide breaking down 529s vs. investment accounts vs. savings options.
