Do This Before Opening a 529 Account

By Zeke Anders on April 1, 2025

If you have recently become a parent or grandparent, or will become one soon, you might be wondering if you should open a 529 account for your child or grandchild. While it can be beneficial to start saving for college early, there are other options that could help set you up for success. One idea is growing berries.

If your child is like mine, they are going to eat a lot of berries. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, etc. And berries are expensive! Especially if you get organic, and out of season. On a dollar-per-calorie basis the cost is astronomical. But your child is going to see them at the store and ask for them, and it is hard to say no. Plus they are a great healthy snack option. So, if you have a yard, go ahead and plant some berries.

Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries grow well in North Alabama, and many nurseries and stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Wal-Mart will have them. There are even thornless blackberry plants! College is only 4 years, and it is 18 years away. The berries will start right away, and you’ll be buying them every week. If you’re worried about planting too many, don’t be. You won’t believe how many berries these kids eat. If you do somehow have extra, I’m sure you could sell them at a farmer’s market for a great return on investment! Or you could make them into smoothies or popsicles and save them for the rest of the year. Trust me, you won’t regret planting some.

This is clearly an April Fools post, and not actual financial advice! That said, it couldn’t hurt to contribute to a 529 AND plant some berries… Just saying.

Subscribe

Twickenham Advisors is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC (member FINRA and SIPC). Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC.

This is not an offer to buy or sell securities, nor should anything contained herein be construed as a recommendation or advice of any kind. Consult with an appropriately credentialed professional before making any financial, investment, tax or legal decision. No investment process is free of risk, and there is no guarantee that any investment process or investment opportunities will be profitable or suitable for all investors. Past performance is neither indicative nor a guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index.

These materials were created for informational purposes only; the opinions and positions stated are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily the official opinion or position of Hightower Advisors, LLC or its affiliates (“Hightower”). Any examples used are for illustrative purposes only and based on generic assumptions. All data or other information referenced is from sources believed to be reliable but not independently verified. Information provided is as of the date referenced and is subject to change without notice. Hightower assumes no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to this information. Hightower makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. References to any person, organization, or the inclusion of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement (or guarantee of accuracy or safety) by Hightower of any such person, organization or linked website or the information, products or services contained therein.

Click here for definitions of and disclosures specific to commonly used terms.

BUILDING WEALTH IS A JOURNEY

As your financial partner, we’ll provide the advice and guidance you need along the way. Let’s talk.

SCHEDULE A MEETING
Handshake Meeting

Hightower Advisors, LLC is a SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC and offer securities through Hightower Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. You can check the background of our firm and investment professionals on brokercheck.finra.org. Unless otherwise indicated relative to a specific award or ranking, Hightower Advisors, LLC does not pay a fee to be considered for any ranking or recognition, but may have paid to publicize rankings obtained and disseminated prior to 11.4.2022. All awards / rankings / ratings obtained and distributed on or after 11.4.2022 will be accompanied by specific disclosure as applicable.

Legal & Privacy | Web Accessibility Policy

Form Client Relationship Summary ("Form CRS") is a brief summary of the brokerage and advisor services we offer.
HTA Client Relationship Summary
HTS Client Relationship Summary

© 2026 Hightower Advisors. All Rights Reserved.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn