Welcome to today’s podcast, where we explore strategies for investing in 529 college savings plans during unstable market conditions. As Tara Siegel Bernard reports, many parents are anxious about their investments as the stock market faces turbulence. With college enrollment looming, it’s crucial to reassess your investment strategy.

When the markets experience upheaval, consider your timeline. If you need funds within a year, experts recommend moving your investments to cash and avoiding stocks altogether. Financial planner Daniel Milks suggests looking for alternative resources like student aid or gifts to delay tapping into your investments.

For those with more time, target-date funds may offer a simpler, hands-off investment approach. According to CJ Stermetz, these funds gradually shift from stocks to safer investments as college approaches, allowing parents to worry less about market fluctuations.

As you strategize, remember to evaluate the mix of investments in your chosen fund. Look for low-cost options that track market indices. Eric Maldonado advises that as your child nears high school graduation, consider keeping tuition amounts in cash or money market funds to avoid potential losses.

Ultimately, as Mallon FitzPatrick puts it, “the goal isn’t to grow the money anymore. It’s to make sure it’s there when you need it.” Stay informed and plan wisely as you invest in your child's education.
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