Light up their faces and their future with college savings
Brighten the season with the gift of college savings and contribute to your Bright Start 529 account today!
The power of your 529 account
Your 529 account is equipped with features and benefits that can help save more.
State tax deduction
Contribute by 12/31/2024 to maximize your 2024 tax savings. Illinois taxpayers may qualify for a state tax deduction up to $20,000 per year for joint filers ($10,000 for single filers) for contributions made into a Bright Start 529 plan.
Ugift®
If you haven’t already set up Ugift, it’s an easy way to boost your contributions by getting your friends and family involved. Easily share your beneficiary's Ugift code from the ReadysaveTM 529 App through text, email, or social media.
READYSAVETM 529 App
Download the READYSAVETM 529 App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to access your account, update contributions, track goals, and more, all in one place.
When plans change, your 529 is ready.
Your child has options
Funds can be used at any eligible public or private university across the country and abroad, community and technical colleges, and even professional and graduate schools.
You have more control
You're never locked in. Contribute what you can, when you can with no minimum contribution requirement.1
You enjoy more flexibility
Funds in your child's account are transferable to another eligible beneficiary, such as another child, siblings, stepchildren, first cousins, a grandchild, parents, or yourself.