Bright Start

A pregnant mother holding a piggybank

Tomorrow’s opportunities come from saving today. Every child deserves a Bright Start!

Ready to start saving for your child’s future but don’t know where to start? Let Bright Start help you learn the basics of a 529 college savings plan so you can start saving for your child’s future today.

529 College Savings Plan
A 529 college savings plan is a type of investment account that can be used for higher-education savings and is usually sponsored by a state.

529 Benefits:

  • Investment Options
  • Flexible Contributions
  • College Choices
  • Give the Gift of Education
  • Nationwide Appeal
  • Account Control 


Illinois First Steps
As education costs continue to rise, it’s critical to begin saving early for your child’s future. Spark their college savings with a $50 seed deposit from Illinois First Steps. Children born or adopted on or after January 1, 2023, with parents who are residents of Illinois can receive the seed deposit through Bright Start for their future college, technical, or apprenticeship education.

Who is Eligible?

  • Live in Illinois
  • Have a new child in 2023
  • Open a Bright Start 529 Account

  
Opening an account with Bright Start is easy! For more information on Bright Start:

 

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