5 Smart Money Moves for Parents Before the School Bell Rings

Published August 6, 2026

Topeka, Kan. (August 6, 2026) – New school routines, fresh supplies, and busy schedules put education on every family's mind. As Kansas students head back to classrooms in August, State Treasurer Steven Johnson is reminding parents that back-to-school season is also a good time to think ahead about future education costs, even for children who haven't started kindergarten yet.

"Back-to-school season is a great reminder to start planning for a child's future education expenses," said Johnson. "Whether your child is a toddler, a kindergartener, or even a high school freshman, opening a Quest529 account now gives your savings additional time to benefit from potential investment growth."

Starting early means there is more time to work toward a child's education savings goal. Even small, consistent contributions can add up by the time they're ready for college, trade school, an apprenticeship, or whatever comes after high school.

Five Steps Kansas Parents Can Take Now

1. Open a Quest529 account. Starting early means there is more time to make contributions before education expenses begin, while allowing potential investment earnings the opportunity to compound over time.
2. Set up automatic monthly contributions, even in small amounts, to build a consistent savings habit.
3. Invite grandparents and other family members to contribute through Quest529's online gifting tool, an easy way to turn birthdays and holidays into education savings.
4. Take advantage of Kansas' state income tax deduction on Quest529 contributions.
5. Revisit the account each school year. Checking in regularly helps ensure the account's investment approach aligns with a family's long term education savings goals.

As Kansas families settle into a new school year, Johnson encourages parents to add education savings to their back-to-school checklist. Even a small investment today can make a meaningful difference as education goals become a reality.

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About Quest529

Quest529 is one of the Kansas 529 postsecondary education savings programs, administered by the Kansas State Treasurer, Steven Johnson. With average total annual asset-based fees at 0.08%, Quest529 is among the most affordable 529 plans in the nation.¹ Kansas taxpayers can reduce their state taxable income up to $6,000 if married filing jointly ($3,000 filing single) for contributions made into Quest529 per beneficiary. Learn more at Quest529.com.

To learn more about Kansas' Quest529 Education Savings Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses see the Plan Description at Quest529.com before investing. Read it carefully. Prior to investing, check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. If the funds aren't used for qualified higher education expenses, a federal 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for Quest529.

An individual who files an individual Kansas state income tax return may deduct up to $3,000 per beneficiary, per tax year ($6,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly) of total combined contributions to a Section 529 plan sponsored by any state, including the Kansas Section 529 Plans. The $3,000 (individual) and $6,000 (joint) limitations on deductions will apply to the total contributions made to all Section 529 plans (and any ABLE Account) for the same beneficiary without regard to whether the contributions are made to a single account or more than one account. The state income tax deduction is available to individuals other than the Account Owner who contribute to an Account. The deduction for Kansas individual income tax purposes for contributions to the Plan does not apply to transfers between Accounts of different Beneficiaries.

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Media Contact:

Tom Mentzer
Mentzer PR Group (for Quest529)
tmentzer@mprg.biz
913-626-9066