You're not alone — these are the questions every parent asks before their first strategy session.
What if my child decides not to go to college?+
That's one of the biggest advantages of this plan. Unlike education-restricted accounts that charge penalties if your child skips college, this plan has no restrictions on how the money is used. Whether your child starts a business, buys a home, gets married, or takes an entirely different path — they access the funds just the same. The plan follows your child, not a specific outcome.
Is this money safe if the stock market crashes?+
Yes — and this is the feature most parents respond to most strongly. The plan participates in market index growth, but has a 0% floor, meaning your child's balance never goes backward in a down year. In 2008 when markets dropped nearly 40%, accounts in this type of plan stayed exactly where they were and captured the recovery from a full starting point.
I already have an education savings account. Do I need this too?+
Many families use both — and they complement each other well. Your education savings account is designed for one purpose, and this plan covers everything else. Even during the college years, your child will have expenses that don't qualify under an education-only account — a car, off-campus housing, personal costs, everyday needs — and pulling funds for those triggers penalties. This plan has no such restrictions, so it quietly handles everything the education account can't, without touching it. Think of your education savings as the tool for tuition, and this plan as the financial foundation for the rest of your child's life — during college and long after.
When can my child actually access the money?+
Your child can access up to 90% of the accumulated cash value at any age for any reason. There are no age requirements like a retirement account. Most families first tap the plan at 18–22 for education or a first car, but the access continues at 25 for a wedding, at 30 for a home — and the policy keeps compounding for the balance they don't touch.
How much do I need to start?+
Plans start at modest monthly contributions — some families begin with under $100/month, while others invest more. The most important factor isn't how much you start with — it's how early you start. Because of how compounding works, an early small contribution outperforms a later large one. In your free strategy session, Anuja will show you a personalized illustration based on your budget.
Does this affect my child's eligibility for financial aid?+
This type of plan is generally not reported as a student asset on standard financial aid applications, unlike certain education savings accounts which are counted and can reduce aid eligibility. This is one reason many financial planners use it alongside — rather than instead of — dedicated education accounts. Ask Anuja to walk through how this applies to your specific situation during your session.
What is the death benefit and why does it matter?+
From the day the policy is issued, your child has a protected death benefit included. This isn't the main reason parents start this plan — but it means that if the unthinkable were to happen, your family isn't left with nothing. The benefit is structured to transfer without income tax to the named beneficiary. For grandparents building a generational plan, this is particularly meaningful.
Is this better than just putting money in a savings account?+
A bank savings account is safe but nearly flat — typical rates hover around 0.5% annually, which doesn't keep pace with inflation. That means $50,000 saved today is worth less in 20 years in real terms. This plan compounds at significantly higher rates, protects against market loss, and grows tax-advantaged. The gap between the two over 20+ years isn't marginal — it's hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Can I start this plan for a newborn — or is my child too young?+
The younger your child, the better. Newborns and infants qualify, and starting at birth gives the maximum number of compounding years. Grandparents often start these plans at birth as a gift that grows for the child's entire lifetime. If your child is older, it's not too late — every year of compounding still matters significantly.
What happens if I can't keep up with payments?+
Life changes, and these plans are designed with flexibility in mind. Depending on how the policy is structured, there are options to adjust, pause, or use accumulated cash value to cover premiums during a difficult period. This is one reason Anuja structures every plan carefully from the start — so it stays manageable for your family long-term. She'll walk you through the options in your strategy session.
