S4E27 – How a Grandchild Can Change Your Retirement Plans

When a grandchild arrives, it’s more than a joyful addition to the family — it can also bring new considerations for your retirement plan. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Dave shares his own recent experience becoming a grandfather and how it’s shifted his financial focus.

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  Why Dave moved from contributing to his adult children’s Roth IRAs to funding a 529 college savings plan for his granddaughter.

  
  


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  The pros and cons of grandparents owning the 529 versus letting parents manage it.

  
  


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  How to avoid “overfunding” a college plan when multiple family members are contributing.

  
  


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  Why the Michigan 529 plan ranks among the top in the country — and how residents get an extra tax perk.

  
  


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  How 529 plan rules have evolved, making funds more flexible for K–12, trade schools, and even Roth IRA rollovers.

  
  


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  Balancing helping family with making sure your own retirement savings are on track first.

  
  

Dave also shares some lessons learned from starting his own kids’ 529 plans back in 2001 — and how even small, consistent contributions can add up over time thanks to compounding.

Whether you’re a new grandparent or just starting to think about how you want to help the next generation, this episode will give you practical, real-world insights you can put into action.

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https://youtu.be/KGnNPiD_gf0