DES MOINES, IA (10/01/2014)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that College Savings Iowa is once again reducing its fees. "In the last decade, we have had six price reductions, resulting in a 60% decrease in fees," Fitzgerald said. "By consistently lowering fees over time, we are ensuring that more money stays in parents' and grandparents' accounts, growing along-side the children. The plan continues to be a great value for Iowans saving for future higher-education expenses." The price reduction, effective October 15, 2014, will bring the current annual asset-based fees of College Savings Iowa's portfolios down from 0.28% to 0.26%.

"In the last ten years our assets have nearly quadrupled as we approach the $4 billion mark," Fitzgerald said. "College Savings Iowa continues to share the benefits of its growth by lowering expenses, which is a testament to the plan's commitment to deliver well-managed college savings investments at low costs." The program has 220,000 accounts established with an average plan account size of over $17,000.

College Savings Iowa, created in 1998, offers families a tax-advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $3,098 per beneficiary from their 2014 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

###

Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Ascensus Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

A message from State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald

DES MOINES, IA (09/18/2014)(readMedia)-- With back-to-school in full swing, I know it can be a busy time of year for parents and children alike. At College Savings Iowa it is a busy time of year as well. In addition to observing College Savings Month throughout September, we are celebrating our Sweet 16. Since the program's inception in 1998, our message has always been the same. By starting early, saving regularly and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them, and College Savings Iowa is here to help.

To get a jump start on helping your loved ones save for their higher education, join us in celebrating our Sweet 16 and College Savings Month by registering to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account. For more information and to enter the giveaway, please visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com any time before November 30.

College Savings Month, a nationally recognized campaign, was created to bring attention to emphasize that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for their children. While any form of saving for college is better than not saving at all, there are additional benefits to using a 529 plan like College Savings Iowa. Administered by the state treasurer's office, the plan offers multiple investment choices, including four age-based options that take into account the child's age and the account owner's tolerance for risk. As the beneficiary nears college age, the assets are automatically shifted to more conservative portfolios. This allows account owners to reduce the market risk before they begin making withdrawals for college expenses.

In addition, 529 plans offer significant federal and state tax benefits to help grow your savings even more. Contributions and earnings grow free of federal and Iowa state income taxes while invested and remain tax-free when used to pay for qualified higher education expenses at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.* College Savings Iowa sweetens the deal by allowing Iowa taxpayers to deduct up to $3,098 in contributions per beneficiary account from their 2014 adjusted gross income.**

You can also stay up to date on our future events and giveaways by following College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan).

Start saving today and help make college a reality for a child in your life - you'll be glad you did!

Michael L. Fitzgerald

State Treasurer

*The earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

**Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

###

Register for a chance to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account

DES MOINES, IA (09/02/2014)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald has announced that Iowa is joining forces with states across the nation in declaring September as College Savings Month. During College Savings Month, families are encouraged to explore the benefits of saving through a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa. "College Savings Iowa provides families with an affordable, tax-advantaged way to save for future college expenses," Fitzgerald said. "With as little as $25, you can start saving for a loved one's future education. Iowa allows Iowa taxpayers to deduct contributions up to $3,045 per account from their 2014 state income taxes.*"

"As a way to raise awareness among families about saving for higher education, the plan will be awarding a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account this fall," added Fitzgerald. "I encourage all Iowans with young children to register today for a chance to win and jump-start their children's college savings." For more information about the giveaway and to register, visit collegesavingsiowa.com.

. For more information about future giveaways and events, find College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan).

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

**The Earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

###

Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 1-888-672-9116, or visit collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2014)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that 85% of the children that have participated in the College Savings Iowa's annual State Fair survey show getting a college education is a necessary step to achieving their dreams and career aspirations. "Iowa children are already thinking about their futures," stated Fitzgerald. "This survey demonstrates how important it is for families to start planning and saving early to help make college a reality for their children."

"Every year we ask children visiting the fair what they want to be when they grow up and if they will need to go to college to achieve these goals," Fitzgerald said. "Needless to say, we are always amazed by the responses they offer." Nineteen percent are planning on becoming veterinarians, with another 18% hoping to become teachers. Artist came in third this year with 14% of the responses.

"According to the survey, the majority of kids think a college education will cost them around $100,000," Fitzgerald added. "Families that save and invest for their children's college education will be better prepared to meet the challenge of paying for it when the time arrives, and College Savings Iowa is here to help." Anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. This year Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $3,098 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income.* Earnings grow tax free and investors can withdraw their investment federally and Iowa state tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.**

. You can also connect with the plan on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan) to stay up to date on current giveaways and events.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

**Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

###

Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.