College Savings Options Every Menopausal Mom Should Know
Part TWO
Did you know? Women going through menopause lose years of good sleep—right when they're making big college money decisions.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Compare 4 college savings options that work even when hormones go wild
See how each strategy helps both your child's future and your menopause journey
Learn which plan gives you the most control during unpredictable body changes
THE MENOPAUSE-MONEY CHALLENGE
Listen, juggling menopause and college planning is brutal. You are different. You are resilient, and we will help you handle both. Learning about the different college savings options and creating a plan can give you peace of mind when hormones make money choices feel harder.
In our first piece, College Tax Breaks Every Menopausal Mom Should Know, we broke down those critical tax advantages you need to understand. Essential info.
Here in Part Two? We're diving into four powerful savings vehicles that work even when your hormones don't.
Coming up in our final piece, we'll tackle borrowing decisions when hormone fluctuations mess with your risk tolerance. Plus the student loan options that won't empty your pockets.
SAVINGS VEHICLES THAT DELIVER
#1 529 PLANS: YOUR COLLEGE FOUNDATION
This state-sponsored or school-sponsored account lets your money grow tax-free for education expenses. When your body and mind feel shaky, having this structured savings vehicle can help put your mind at ease.
Good Points:
Tax-free growth.
Front-load five years ($85,000) in one power move
Flexibility to switch beneficiaries if plans change
Many states give you tax breaks just for contributing
Can use up to $10,000 each year for private K-12 if needed
Things to Think About:
Limited investment choices - you can only pick from the options your state's plan offers
Changes to your investment choices are limited to twice per year
#2 COVERDELL ESAs: FOR THE CONTROL-SEEKERS
Coverdells give you more investment freedom than 529s. Smaller, yes. But powerful. They let you adjust your strategy lets as your comfort with risk changes and gives you greater peace of mind during a time when so many other things feel out of control.
Good Points:
Smaller contributions (up to $2,000 yearly per child)
Wider investment selection (almost any stocks, bonds, or funds you want)—almost anything goes
Usable from kindergarten through college
Note: Income limits apply ($95,000 single/$190,000 married)
#3 UGMA/UTMA ACCOUNTS: FLEXIBLE FREEDOM
UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) and UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) fund anything that benefits your child—not just college. Perfect flexibility for unpredictable menopause days. They transfer to your child at adulthood, letting you refocus on your own needs when you need it most.
Good Points:
No contribution limits
Usable for any child development needs such as music lessons, summer camps, etc.
First $1,150 of investment earnings is tax-free and the next $1,150 is taxed at your child's lower rate—keeping more money in your family when you need it most
Things to Think About:
No special tax breaks for education
#4 ROTH IRAs: DOUBLE-DUTY DOLLARS
A youth Roth IRA plants two seeds at once. Your child gets retirement savings early while keeping withdrawal options for education. Perfect strategy when menopause has you thinking about long-term security for your kids.
Good Points:
Doesn't count against financial aid—no small thing when college costs are sky-high
Flexibility: use for education or let it grow for retirement
Compound interest works overtime—money grows while you handle everything else
Things to Think About:
Child must have actual earned income (babysitting, lawn work counts)
$7,000 yearly contribution limit (2025)
Control transfers to your child at adulthood (18-21)
The right college savings strategy doesn't just secure your child's future; it provides structure and certainty during a time when your body feels anything but predictable.
By setting up good savings plans now, you're creating a safety net that works even when you don't feel your best. Your college savings will grow steadily while you navigate the ups and downs of menopause.