Mercer Advisors
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Educational Planning

Planning for education costs — from 529 plans and Trump accounts to student loan strategies and college affordability — requires a clear understanding of the rules, the tax implications, and how education savings fits into your broader financial plan. At Mercer Advisors, we help families think through their education funding options at every stage, including what to do with unused 529 funds after graduation. Browse the resources below for practical, up-to-date guidance on educational planning in 2026 and beyond.

Financial Planning On-Demand Webinar

Paying for College Without Overpaying: Smart Strategies for Families

Our college planning specialists share time-tested strategies to help reduce college costs, maximize financial aid, and leverage 529 plans for smarter education savings.

Financial Planning Article

How To Open a Trump Account for Your Child

Trump Accounts (Section 530A) let families invest up to $5,000 a year for any child under 18 — plus a $1,000 federal pilot contribution for kids born 2025 to 2028.

Financial Planning Article

Expecting a Baby? What To Know Now

New parents can build a stronger financial foundation with Trump Accounts, 529 plans, insurance, adoption credits, and estate planning basics.

Father and Son Taking a Walk
Family & Health Guide

When Your Child Turns 18: A Financial and Legal Planning Guide for Families

A comprehensive checklist covering legal documents, account transfers, budgeting strategies, and the life skills that prepare your young adult — and your family — for what comes next.

Tax Planning Article

Trump Accounts and Gift Tax: What Parents Need to Know

The IRS established a safe harbor for qualifying Trump Account contributions — but complex giving situations require careful planning.

Family at Daughter's Graduation
Financial Planning Article

529 Plan Leftover Funds: Your Options Explained

A 529 surplus after graduation gives families more options than most people realize, including Roth IRA rollovers, estate planning, and multigenerational education savings.

Tax Planning On-Demand Webinar

Tax Filing Is Not the Same as Tax Planning

In this webinar, we break down proactive tax planning, Roth conversions, and key changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to help reduce your lifetime tax liability.

Tax Planning On-Demand Webinar

Smart Savings for the Next Generation: Understanding 529 Plans and Trump Accounts

Learn how 529 plans and Trump Accounts each play a distinct role in funding your child’s education and long-term retirement — and how to get the most from both.

Financial Planning Article

Employer Contributions to Trump Accounts Explained 

New guidance clarifies how employers can contribute to Trump Accounts, including limits, tax treatment, and required reporting.

An advisor working with their client on an RIA
Financial Planning Article

What Is an RIA? What Investors Should Know

Learn what a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) is, how RIAs are regulated, how they differ from financial advisors, and the benefits of working with a fiduciary advisor.

Two women discussing how to use leftover funds in a 529
Financial Planning Article

Beyond Tuition: How to Repurpose Unused 529 Plan Savings

Extra 529 plan funds are flexible, with options for education, family beneficiaries, Roth IRA rollovers, ABLE accounts, or strategic withdrawals.

A parent and their student looking at loans
Financial Planning Article

Parent PLUS Loans: 2026 Deadline for Lower Payments and Relief

Learn how to consolidate Parent PLUS loans, switch from ICR to IBR, lower monthly payments, and stay eligible for income‑driven repayment before the July 1, 2026 deadline.

A woman reporting a scam
Tax Planning Article

Tax Scams to Watch in 2026

Tax scams are evolving in 2026. Learn the latest IRS tax scams to watch for and how to stay safe.

FAQs
Financial Planning FAQ

What happens to a Trump Account when my child turns 18?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

Can I have both a Trump Account and a 529 plan for my child?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

What can a Trump Account be invested in?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

Are contributions to a Trump Account tax-deductible?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

What is the $1,000 federal pilot contribution?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

Who can open a Trump Account?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

How do I open a Trump Account for my child?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

What is a Trump Account?

See the answer

Further Learning

Retirement Article

Catch-Up Contributions 2026: What’s New for Savers

SECURE 2.0 catch-up rules are in effect for 2026. New limits, a higher Roth threshold, and final IRS guidance change how older savers should plan.

Retirement Article

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Your 2026 Medicare Options

Understand your 2026 Medicare choices, and compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage on cost, coverage, networks, and enrollment to make an informed decision.

Retirement Article

Connecting the Dots on Your Retirement Plan

Learn how a structured three-part approach to retirement income planning can help you protect the wealth you’ve built and achieve financial independence.

Financial Planning Guide

The Inheritance and Sudden Wealth Playbook: First 90 Days + 12 Months

When you inherit a significant amount of wealth, the decisions you make in the first year can define outcomes for decades. Here’s your step-by-step playbook.

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

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Financial Planning
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