By Jenn Dyck (Estimated reading time: 2 minutes)
There is nothing like experiencing your baby’s first steps! I will never forget the adorable turquoise dress my daughter wore when she took her first steps across the kitchen floor, or the little green hoodie my son had on when he bravely took his first steps outside. Looking back on those precious memories brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. Baby stages pass by so quickly!
Before you know it, they are walking, talking, and dreaming about their futures. From an early age children share comical, unrealistic dreams and they also share dreams that may very well become reality. My daughter talked about becoming a writer from the time she was in kindergarten. She never once wavered from that dream. In 2021, she graduated from college with a BFA in Screenwriting. It still amazes me that she chose her career at age five! On the other hand, my son’s dreams changed often over the years. When he applied to college, he wrestled with what program of study he should focus on. By the time his first semester began, he decided he couldn’t go wrong studying digital design and animation. As his final semester approaches, he is glad he took a step in that direction because he is enjoying the path he chose!
Talking with children about their dreams early on and letting them know you are saving for their future sends a powerful message that they have a path to pursue their dreams. I am thankful we opened savings accounts early on and told our kids we were saving for the higher education paths they will need to take to achieve their dreams. We did not have the means to save a lot, but we saved what we could when we could. Because we took the first steps to prepare for their future, our kids were inspired at a young age to regularly contribute to their savings accounts. It also motivated them to take steps to reduce their need for student loans by applying for scholarships and working during the summer and on campus. I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts to help save for their higher education and the impact it had on their financial stability as young adults.
Did you welcome a new baby this year? Take the first step and invest in your child’s future from the beginning. You can open a 529 savings account with Washington College Savings Plans (WA529) with as little as $25. To learn more about Washington’s education savings options, the Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) and the DreamAhead College Investment Plan, visit 529.wa.gov. Starting early and having more time to watch your child’s college savings grow every step of the way is priceless!
About the Author
Jenn Dyck serves as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Washington 529 Plans. She is a mother of two young-adult children and in her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and exploring the outdoors.
