When it comes to showing love, few gifts from a grandparent are as meaningful as one that helps build a better future. With the rising cost of college and student debt becoming a lifelong burden for many, more grandparents are stepping in to support their families, not just with encouragement, but with action. One of the most powerful ways to do that is by investing early in a grandchild’s education through tools like the 529 College Savings Plan.
We spoke with Javeste Dulcio, CEO of StorkFund, to explore why early financial support matters so deeply, how grandparents can use these tools to shape opportunity, and how this kind of thoughtful giving becomes a legacy that lives on.
A 529 plan offers more than just tax advantages. It gives grandparents the chance to watch their support grow alongside their grandchild
Why It Matters
A college degree continues to be one of the most reliable pathways to long-term financial security. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a bachelor’s degree earn a median of $1,432 per week, compared to $853 per week for those with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, this translates to more than $1 million in additional earnings.
And it’s not just about income. College graduates are more likely to have full-time employment, employer-sponsored healthcare, and higher job satisfaction. By helping fund higher education, grandparents are opening doors to career options, financial stability, and independence.
What Is a 529 Plan?
A 529 College Savings Plan is a tax-advantaged account designed to help families save for education. The funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals are also tax-free when used for qualified education expenses like tuition, books, or housing. Many states even offer a state income tax deduction or credit for contributions. For grandparents, this means you are not only helping cover future tuition, you are also getting financial perks yourself.
The account remains in the control of the donor, and the beneficiary (your grandchild) can use it at thousands of accredited colleges, universities, and even vocational schools nationwide. You can start small and watch it grow with time, interest, and consistency.
According to the College Board, the average cost of a four-year public college is now over $23,000 per year, and private schools top $55,000 annually. A 529 plan is one of the most efficient ways to chip away at those future bills over time.
The Grandparent Advantage
Grandparents often have a unique ability to give from a place of calm and perspective. With fewer financial obligations than parents raising children, you can take the long view, building steady support that multiplies over time.
“Even small gifts, given consistently, create big opportunities,” says Dulcio. “They ease stress for parents and build real confidence for grandchildren.”
Supporting your grandchild’s education can also bring your family closer. It’s a way to demonstrate your values, show belief in their potential, and ease the emotional and financial pressure on your adult children.
And more than anything, it’s a legacy you can live to see.
A Special Kind of Gift
There’s something extraordinary about the bond between grandparent and grandchild. It’s full of love, patience, and quiet wisdom. A 529 contribution may not come in a shiny box, but it is one of the most powerful gifts a grandparent can give.
It tells your grandchild: I believe in you. I see your future. I want to help you get there.
That gift doesn’t just grow in the bank, it grows in meaning every year, every milestone, and every success. “Early financial planning turns time into opportunity,” says Dulcio. “Even small contributions become big support when they have time to grow.”
And she’s right. A $50 monthly gift starting at birth can grow to more than $17,000 by the time your grandchild turns 18, assuming a 6% annual return. But it’s not just about the numbers.
Dulcio emphasizes the emotional and psychological value too. “Children who grow up watching thoughtful financial planning are more likely to adopt healthy money habits themselves. Your contributions help shape how they view money, opportunity, and responsibility.”
Getting Started Is Simple
Not sure where to begin? Dulcio recommends keeping it simple.
- Start the conversation with your adult children. Learn what they’re stressed about financially and where you can support.
- Pick a clear goal—college, tutoring, or even a summer program and focus your efforts.
- Open a 529 or StorkFund account and make an initial gift. Automate a small monthly contribution.
- Explore tax perks in your state. Contributions might reduce your taxable income.
- Celebrate the impact with your family. Your gift doesn’t have to be hidden. Talk about it. Model thoughtful giving.
A Living Legacy
In the past, financial legacies were something left behind. Today, they are something you live through. As Dulcio puts it: “More grandparents want to see the fruits of their generosity. It’s not about someday. It’s about showing up now.”
So whether you’re investing $25 a month or making a one-time contribution, you’re helping your grandchild build a future with fewer roadblocks. And you are giving your family something even more lasting: peace of mind.
About the Expert:
Javeste Dulcio is the Founder and CEO of StorkFund: The financial platform enabling parents to maximize their family’s financial growth and spending power across each stage of their family’s life-cycle – utilizing high-yield interest rates, exclusive third-party discounts, and employer matching to multiply savings faster and boost purchasing potential. A graduate of Harvard and Cornell, Javeste is committed to creating financial tools real families trust; tools designed to reduce stress, build financial security, and support life’s most meaningful moments.
- Website: www.storkfunds.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/storkfunds/
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Earnings and Unemployment Rates by Educational Attainment”
https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htmCollege Board, “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2023”
https://research.collegeboard.orgIRS, “529 Plans: Questions and Answers”
https://www.irs.gov
