March 19, 2024

Winners announced for 2015 Save Now, Save Later program

• Thirty Iowa parents awarded $1,500 deposits to College Savings Iowa accounts for high school students

WEST DES MOINES — Parents across the state of Iowa are getting a $1,500 boost to their student’s College Savings Iowa® account this spring, thanks to Iowa Student Loan’s Save Now, Save Later: College Savings Plan Parent Giveaway.

In this second year of the program the number of awards was increased from 20 to 30 to benefit even more Iowa families. Registration opened Aug. 13, and ran through Nov. 30. The program was open to Iowa residents who have a student in grade nine, 10, 11 or 12 at an Iowa high school.

“Additional funds for a child’s (College Savings Iowa) account will encourage parents to continue funding their accounts,” said Jeff McGuire, a winner from Hiawatha. “Every bit helps defray the rising costs of college.”

Parents who registered were required to complete the co-signer version of Student Loan Game Plan, a free online, financial education tool offered by Iowa Student Loan, with versions for students and for parents. After the registration period, entries were chosen at random from about 1,000 qualified participants.

“I think (the program) is a good way to show the impact of borrowing,” said Greg Fritz, a winner from Pocahontas. “Too many people don’t think about all of the interest that they have to pay. And saving is easy, even if you can only start small.”

All 30 winners will have a $1,500 deposit made into a new or existing College Savings Iowa account for their eligible child. Iowa Student Loan works directly with College Savings Iowa on the giveaway. College Savings Iowa is the state’s direct-sold 529 program, administered by State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald.

Iowa Student Loan plans to launch the Save Now, Save Later: College Savings Plan Parent Giveaway again in the fall.

Local winner of the Save Now, Save Later program is:

Pam DeVore of Osceola