Skip to content

Why haven’t you started saving for education yet?

NJBEST offers many features that NJ families are looking for like low contribution minimums, no sales charges, a wide range of investment options, innovative tools and special benefits exclusive to New Jersey families.

Or…

Do you still believe the myths about 529 savings plans?

Myths vs Facts

MYTH: With NJBEST, my child will need to go to college in New Jersey.

FACT: Your child doesn’t have to go to college in New Jersey! You can use NJBEST for most schools in the United States including vocational schools and certified apprenticeships, no matter where your 529 savings plan is based.

MYTH: I can only use NJBEST if my child goes to a 4-year college or university.

FACT: NJBEST can be used at most accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities and vocational schools, including many outside the U.S., as well as certified apprenticeships.

Additionally, up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary can be used for tuition for eligible public, private and religious primary and secondary educational institutions (K-12). What expenses will be regarded as “tuition” in the case of public schools may vary by state1

MYTH: Grandparents cannot open a 529 plan, only parents can.

FACT: Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends... You can even open an NJBEST plan for yourself!

MYTH: Only Account Owners can contribute to a 529 Plan.

FACT: Just like anyone can open a 529 plan, anyone can fund a 529 plan -- parents, grandparents, or other friends and relatives. Account owners receive a unique Ugift® code for each beneficiary/student, which can be shared with others and used to contribute directly to their 529 account.2

Learn more about Ugift®

MYTH: I make too much money to contribute to a 529 plan.

FACT: It does not matter how much you earn. 529 plans have no income limits.

MYTH: NJBEST will only cover tuition, but I have so many other education expenses which are not covered.

FACT: NJBEST savings can be used for any qualified tuition expense. Additionally, for accredited higher education schools (e.g. college, vocational schools, or certified apprenticeships ), savings can be used for additional qualified expenses including mandatory fees, supplies, books or other required equipment, and room and board, if the beneficiary is enrolled at least half-time.1

MYTH: When my child turns 18, they will just take the money and use it for something else – like a new car.

FACT: You have control! The NJBEST account owner owns the plan’s assets and controls how and when they will be used. Unlike an UGMA/UTMA, the NJBEST beneficiary has no legal rights to the plan’s assets, even when they turn 18.

Don’t you feel better about 529 plans? Are you ready to open one?