Starting Early: How an Education Savings Account Can Pave the Way For Future Choices

May 27, 2021

The end of the school year is fast approaching. Another year in the books! Whether you are celebrating the move to first grade or the official start of high school, the years seem to fly by. It is never too early to start thinking about what is next after high school. If college, trade or technical school is a future consideration, starting to save now can make it much easier to make the transition after the final year of high school.

One of the easiest ways to start saving for post-secondary education is with a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA). The Coverdell Education Savings Account is a type of IRA that allows not only parents, but other relatives and even family friends to contribute to a child's account. Non-deductible contributions each year can be up to $2,000 total for all contributors.

The contributed funds grow through investments, much the same as a retirement account, and earnings are tax-deferred. That means the earlier you start making contributions, the more your child's account will be able to grow. The account beneficiary can then use the account to pay for education expenses 

until age 30. The Coverdell ESA can be set up in a way so that it does not affect other financial aid that the child may be eligible for. Funds withdrawn for education expenses are not taxed, however, funds not used for education expenses carry a tax penalty. A student that is not able to use all of the funds prior to age 30 can transfer the remaining funds to a sibling or close relative. Which is a great option, should your little one be a future recipient of a full scholarship.

Another reason to start a Coverdell ESA early is that funds from the Coverdell ESA can also be used to pay for K-12 education expenses such as private school tuition, books and supplies, tutoring and special needs services. This allows you more options should your child need to switch schools, have an opportunity to attend a private school that meets his/her needs or have need of additional special needs services while attending elementary or secondary school. In fact, the Coverdell ESA fund further protects children with special needs by removing the requirement for the funds to be used by age 30.


If you're interested in starting a Coverdell ESA for a child in your life, talk to your GBU agent or schedule an appointment at GBU.org.

By Lesley Mann May 29, 2025
As we move into the second quarter of another exciting year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and share some of the new initiatives we are implementing in the realms of sales, marketing and community engagement. Over the past year, GBU Life has reached significant milestones thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team and the trust and support of our members. Our sales department has exceeded targets, and we have expanded our reach to more communities than ever before. We have launched several successful marketing campaigns that have not only increased our visibility but have also strengthened our brand's presence in the industry. For this year, our focus will be educating potential new members on the importance of securing their financial futures through life insurance and annuity products while serving their communities as part of our great Society. Looking ahead, we are committed to enhancing our sales strategies to better serve you. We are introducing some tools for our agents to enhance our products. One new tool is our Defined Benefit Annuity program which combines the Future Flex Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) with a software tool that can help determine retirement savings needs and break them down into contributions over time to help you meet your retirement goals. Be sure to keep in touch with your GBU agent to review your plans and products to see how adding an FIA to your retirement planning can help boost your savings efforts
May 15, 2025
GBU members between the ages of three and nine years old can enter their colored page in this year's contest, which is themed Pawprints on My Heart. Three age categories will be judged as follows: Category I: Ages three and four Category II: Ages five and six Category III: Ages seven, eight and nine Entrants may use crayons, colored pencils, markers or watercolor paints. Entries will be accepted through Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The picture on the next page can be reproduced, or copies can be obtained by calling the Community Engagement Team at the GBU Home Office (800-765-4428) or by printing the image above. Cash Prizes for Each Category First prize: $75 Second prize: $50 Third prize: $30 How to Enter Send the three- to nine-year-old GBU member's coloring contest entry with their name and address on the colored page to: GBU Life ATTN: Member Benefits 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394. Or email contest@gbu.org with "Coloring Contest Entry” as the subject line. General Information Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Artwork will be handled at the GBU Home Office with the utmost care. GBU reserves the right to reproduce entries for whatever use it wishes, provided proper credit is given. Permission does not include the sale of such work.
April 22, 2025
GBU has designated four Community Pillars - Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support - which are a concentrated list of causes that resonate with our values.
February 5, 2025
Looking for new spots to explore this winter? Check out these three must-visit places for your next adventure.
January 21, 2025
Details and deadlines surrounding the GBU Foundation scholarship and grants for 2025.
January 3, 2025
Looking to try some new recipes this winter?
January 3, 2025
We've found some tips to keep up your sleeve this winter.
January 3, 2025
The Defined Benefit Annuity from GBU Life can help you to create a plan for a guaranteed income in retirement by making regular contributions based on your retirement income targets.
January 3, 2025
Graduating from college is an exciting milestone, but it’s also the perfect time to focus on your financial future. Building on the foundation you’ve already laid the groundwork for with smart money choices will set you up for long-term success. Here are a few key financial products to consider as you take the next step.
January 3, 2025
Kick-start your child’s journey to financial success with a whole life policy from GBU Life.
More Posts