Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek

As the school year comes to a close, parents and students across Missouri are already looking ahead – whether it’s preparing for the next grade, planning for college, or exploring a future in the skilled trades. With education costs continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever for families to plan ahead. That’s why I’m proud to recognize National 529 Day this May by encouraging Missourians to take advantage of the MOST 529 Education Savings Plan.

 

To celebrate, we’re offering a special $50 match to the first 800 new account holders who open and fund a MOST 529 account with at least $50 using the promo code MOSTMAY. This is more than a promotion—it’s a chance to kick-start a lifelong habit of saving and investing in your child’s future.

 

MOST 529 offers one of the most flexible and tax-advantaged ways to save for education. Funds can be used for a wide variety of eligible expenses, including tuition at public or private K–12 schools, registered apprenticeship programs, vocational or trade schools, community colleges, four-year universities, and even graduate school. They can also be used for textbooks, room and board, supplies, and computer equipment. In fact, in 2024 alone, 23% of distributions from MOST 529 accounts in Missouri were used for K–12 education.

 

Since I took office in January 2023, nearly 10,000 new MOST 529 accounts have been opened. Today, there are over 198,000 funded accounts statewide, with assets totaling over $4 billion. That represents real savings, real opportunities, and real hope for thousands of Missouri families.

 

Even better, interest from money invested now is free of state and federal taxes, and Missouri residents can also receive a state tax deduction up to $8,000 per person, or $16,000 if married or filing jointly. And through the “Ugift” feature, friends and family can easily contribute to a child’s account for birthdays, holidays, or special milestones.

 

Education opens doors—and saving early helps keep those doors open. Let’s work together to build brighter futures for our children and our state.

 

To learn more or claim the $50 match, visit missourimost.org/get50 or call 888-414-MOST (888-414-6678).