Trump's 'big beautiful bill' turned 529 plans into 'lifelong education' accounts, expert says: How to take advantage

Key points

• watch now New rules are expanding how ta advantaged 529 savings plans can be used to pay for expenses beyond college, unlocking money that workers can use to advance or change careers.
• Under provisions in President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025, you can use a 529 plan to save not only for your child's education but also for your own career training or professional credentials.
• "You can now use them really as lifelong education savings accounts," said Vivian Tsai, managing director of TIAA Education Savings.
• The changes are "hugely transformational for adult learners," she said.
• TIAA is the third-largest 529 plan program manager, with $83.5 billion in assets as of March 31, according to data compiled by ISS Market Intelligence.