Check my math, please - IRA vs. 529

DHMchicago
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 04:18:23 +0000

Rereading your original post, if you are getting need-based financial aid, there is no way that contributing to a 529 helps the appearance of the amount of aid needed, because IRA money is not known about. It all becomes strange because FAFSA is calculated more than a year away from when college money is needed. Ignoring the financial need considerations and state income deduction, 529 versus IRA is exactly like Roth versus IRA assuming the 529 is all spent on college expenses.