Press Releases

State’s College Savings Plan Also Again Ranked Top Direct-Sold 529 Plan

State Treasurer Riley Moore today announced West Virginians can now access and manage their SMART529 savings plan using the new READYSAVE 529 app, which is available for download in both Apple and Google Play app stores.

“We are always looking for more convenient and modern ways for people to use the various programs available through the State Treasurer’s Office,” Treasurer Moore said. “This READYSAVE 529 app will make it easier than ever to manage your child’s SMART529 savings plan.”

The app, designed by Ascensus, can be used by current SMART529 WV Direct and Select plan participants. Once you download and log in to the app, users can view their account balance, transaction history and investment allocations. They also have the options to make one-time contributions, set up recurring transactions, send others a link to donate to their child’s plan, and see how their savings compare with those of peers in the same plan.

“With more and more people switching to mobile banking, this app will provide an incredible convenience for those who want an easy way to manage a child’s college savings investments,” Treasurer Moore said.

In addition to the new app, Treasurer Moore announced that the SMART529 WV Direct college savings plan has once again been ranked the top direct-sold 529 plan in the country, according to the popular college planning website SavingForCollege.com.

A direct-sold plan is one in which a person can directly sign up for the plan, without it being sold through a financial adviser. West Virginia’s SMART529 WV Direct Plan is open to West Virginia residents and does not have a minimum investment requirement, sales charges or annual maintenance fee.

SavingForCollege.com cited the West Virginia SMART529 WV Direct plan’s low fee structure and variety of investment options as key factors for its ranking.

Additional benefits include:

  • Contributions being fully deductible from West Virginia income tax.
  • Plan beneficiaries who are born or adopted in-state are eligible for a $100 seed contribution through the SMART529 Bright Babies Program.
  • An e-gifting platform for receiving 529 plan gift contributions.

“We’re proud to continue to be recognized as one of the top savings programs in the country, and I encourage every parent or grandparent to visit SMART529.com to check out our programs,” Treasurer Moore said. “It’s never too early to start saving for your child’s future.”

Treasurer Moore made the announcements ahead of national 529 Day, an annual celebration on May 29 (5/29) that raises awareness for 529 college savings plans around the country.

SMART529 is a qualified tuition program issued by the West Virginia Prepaid College Tuition and Savings Program Board of Trustees and administered by Hartford Funds. Complete information about SMART529 is available at www.SMART529.com.

The Treasury does not collect state taxes. Visit the The West Virginia State Tax Department for assistance.

West Virginia State Treasurer's Office
1900 Kanawha Boulevard
Capitol Complex Building #1, Room E-145
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
304-558-5000 Toll Free: 800-422-7498
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm (ET)

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