Treasurer Curtis Loftis Talks Future Scholar at the Fair

More than 1,500 South Carolinians visited a special display at the South Carolina State Fair Wednesday, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the state’s Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan.

Treasurer Curtis Loftis met with fairgoers and talked about the benefits of Future Scholar, a 529 college savings account that helps families save over time for the rising cost of a college education.

“Future Scholar is the smart, easy and tax-deductible way to save for college,” said Treasurer Loftis, whose office manages the program.

Many of those on hand in the Rosewood Building’s AARP Pavilion were grandparents interested in learning more about helping ensure their children’s children will be able to afford college.

“The event is a great way to showcase opportunities for those 50-plus to learn about services and programs they may not know about, including the Future Scholar 529 program and how easy it is to open and contribute,” said Patrick Cobb, Associate State Director, Communications for AARP South Carolina.

Paying for post-secondary education is a growing concern among parents and grandparents alike, given that college costs have climbed roughly 5% a year over the past 10 years, according to one recent report.

Future Scholar account funds can be used at any eligible two- or four-year educational institution, including out-of-state and some international schools. No minimum amount is required to open a Future Scholar investment account, and anyone can contribute to an account.

“Remember,” Loftis added, “the earlier you can start saving today, the brighter your child’s future will be tomorrow.”

Treasurer Loftis also spoke about the Future Scholar Holler Facebook Sweepstakes, which enters registrants to win a Clemson or Carolina prize pack, including tickets to a football game.

Parents can enter Future Scholar Holler by posting a public photo of their child or family decked out in USC or Clemson gear with the hashtag “#FutureScholarHoller” to their personal Facebook page. Future Scholar Holler runs through the end of Friday, Oct. 20.

To learn more about Future Scholar visit www.FutureScholar.com.