Meridian Funds: Unlocking the Potential of 529 College Savings

Introduction

Meridian Funds, an affiliate of SEI Investments, is a leading provider of 529 college savings plans. With a long-standing commitment to supporting higher education, Meridian Funds offers a comprehensive suite of investment options and personalized financial guidance to help families save and invest for their children's future education expenses.

Benefits of Meridian Funds' 529 Plans

• Flexibility and Choice: Meridian Funds offers a wide range of investment options to meet the needs of every family, from age-based portfolios to targeted asset allocation funds.
• Tax Advantages: Contributions to Meridian Funds' 529 plans are made on a pre-tax basis, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free. In some states, contributions may also be eligible for state income tax deductions.
• Personalized Guidance: Meridian Funds offers a team of financial professionals who can provide personalized investment advice and guidance to help families maximize their saving potential.
• Low Fees: Meridian Funds' 529 plans offer competitive fees, helping families minimize their investment costs.

Statistics on the Importance of Higher Education

• According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public college has increased by over 250% since 1985.
• A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that students who earn a bachelor's degree earn on average 84% more than those with only a high school diploma.
• The unemployment rate for college graduates is typically much lower than for those with only a high school education.

Innovative Applications of Meridian Funds

Beyond traditional college savings, Meridian Funds' 529 plans can also be used to fund a variety of other education-related expenses, such as:

• Private elementary and secondary school tuition
• Vocational training and certification programs
• Student loan payments

Meridian Funds' Commitment to Customer Success

Meridian Funds is committed to providing its customers with exceptional service and support. The company offers a variety of resources to help families navigate the 529 savings process, including:

• Online account management
• Personalized investment recommendations
• Access to financial advisors

Tables

Table 1: Investment Performance of Meridian Funds' 529 Plans

Table 2: State Income Tax Deductions for Contributions to Meridian Funds' 529 Plans

Table 3: Fees for Meridian Funds' 529 Plans

Table 4: Qualified Education Expenses Covered by Meridian Funds' 529 Plans