<p>To those so-called “informed experts:”</p>
<p>Yes, age-based plans lower the risk as the child approaches college age. However, there is no guarantee that the “safer” percentage (or even total risk-free investments) during the last few years will necessarily make up the money that was lost previously during stock market downturns.</p>
<p>My children’s accounts are just now getting to the level back to the original amount that was put in.
That means the net gain = zero.<br>
That time is completely lost and can never get gotten back no matter how the money is invested now.</p>
<p>Also, my other main point is that the element of risk is never brought up by the financial “planners” (salesmen) who shout about 529s in so-called “seminars” and “workshops.”</p>
<p>Stating that 529s are the “safest place to save” is IMHO simplistic and misleading.</p>
<p>As always, YMMV. Everyone is free to do with their money however they wish.</p>
<p>By the way, the FDIC plans in Virginia are under the “College Wealth” moniker. That is a relatively recent program that was not around when our 529 accounts were created.</p>