For many well‑intentioned parents, saving for college through a 529 plan feels like doing everything right. Contributions grow tax‑free, withdrawals can be tax‑free when used properly, and the account is designed specifically for education.
Yet when college finally arrives, some families discover that the balance falls short of the full cost. Rising tuition, housing expenses and education inflation have turned college planning into a moving target, even for disciplined savers.
