Broker Check

servicesEducation Planning

The future has a way of arriving sooner than expected.

One day you're celebrating a birthday or the first day of school. Before long, conversations begin to shift toward college, trade school, graduate programs, or whatever path comes next.

Planning ahead doesn't mean having every answer today. It means creating flexibility for tomorrow, while balancing the financial priorities that matter to your family today.

Schedule a Call

Opening Doors To Opportunity

Opening Doors To Opportunity

Education planning is about more than preparing for tuition; it's about creating opportunities while keeping your broader financial picture in focus.

Some families hope to cover the full cost of higher education. Others simply want to provide a meaningful head start. There isn't one approach that's right for everyone.

The strategy should reflect your family's goals, resources, and the future you hope to help create.

Building An Education Strategy

Your Goals

Your Goals

Every family has a different vision for the future. We begin by understanding what you'd like to accomplish and the role education planning will play within your broader financial plan.

Your Savings Strategy

Your Savings Strategy

There are several ways to save for future education expenses, including 529 plans and other education savings strategies. Together, we'll discuss the options that best fit your goals and circumstances.

Your Financial Balance

Your Financial Balance

Education planning is one part of a much larger financial picture. We'll consider how saving for future educational expenses fits alongside retirement planning, emergency savings, and your other long-term priorities.

Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead

Plans evolve over time. As educational goals, costs, or family circumstances change, we'll continue reviewing your strategy to help keep it aligned with your objectives.

Our Philosophy

Helping someone pursue their education isn't about predicting exactly where they'll go.

Education planning is about giving them the flexibility to choose the path that's right for them.

Client Centered

Education Savings Options

Depending on your goals and circumstances, education planning may include various strategies.

Some parents and grandparents are unsure whether the child will go to college. Instead, they might choose to save in a traditional investment account then gift the funds to the student when they start college, start a business, or accomplish other goals. 

Flexible Education Savings Options Are available through Lumena Financial Strategies, including:

  • 529 College Savings Plans
  • Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
  • UGMA and UTMA Custodial Accounts
  • Cash accumulation insurance products
  • Trust Planning for Education
  • Education Funding Strategies for Grandparents
  • Coordinating Education Savings with Your Overall Financial Plan

Countdown to College

Here is a comprehensive guide for parents aiming to help their child successfully transition from high school to university.

Learn More

Estimating the Cost of College

If your child is approaching college age, a good first step is estimating the potential costs. Here is information to help you get a better idea about the cost of college.

Learn More

A Cheat Sheet for Sending Your Kid to College

College marks a great milestone in a child’s life. It may be the first time he or she will live away from home. Dropping off your child at college may be an experience loaded with emotions, so here are a few tips for a smoother transition.

Learn More

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college saving plan can help.




Prior to investing in a 529 Plan, investors should consider whether the investor's or designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses are federally tax free. Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing.

Learn More

Let's Talk About
Your Family's Goals

If you're planning for a child, grandchild, or another loved one, we'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how education planning can support your family's goals while fitting into your broader financial strategy.

Thank you! Your message has been received. Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again.