September 9, 2025 · Season 2 · Episode 6

It's Save-tember...aka College Savings Month!

By Tom Briese & Gage Boardman

September is College Savings Month, making it the perfect time to start planning for the future. In this episode, Gage and Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese talk about why saving early matters, how families can take advantage of programs like NEST 529 College Savings Plans, and simple steps to make college more affordable down the road. They also share practical advice for parents and students on building strong money habits and setting realistic goals.

September is College Savings Month, making it the perfect time to discuss planning for education costs. We sat down with Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese on our Countdown2College podcast to talk about why saving matters, how the NEST 529 plan works, and simple ways families can make saving part of their routine.

Why Saving for College Matters

Putting money aside for college isn’t just about avoiding debt later—it’s about creating opportunities. Research shows that students with even small savings are more likely to go to college and finish their degree. Having those funds available also eases stress so students can stay focused on their classes and future goals.

The Power of Nebraska’s NEST 529 Plan

When it comes to saving, Nebraska families have a powerful resource in the NEST 529 Plan. Contributions grow tax-free for qualified expenses like tuition, books, and housing. Nebraska residents can get a state tax deduction, which makes every contribution work a little harder.

Make Saving a Habit

The best way to build a strong college fund is to make saving automatic. Setting up regular contributions, even small ones, adds up over time. What matters most isn’t how much you start with, but that you get started and keep it going.

Advice for Families

The big takeaway is that every dollar makes a difference. Whether you’re just starting to think about saving or already have a plan, tools like NEST 529 can help reduce reliance on student loans and make higher education more affordable.

Final Thoughts

College may feel far away, but starting early can brighten a student’s future. As College Savings Month reminds us, small, consistent steps today can open big doors tomorrow.