Abstract:
According to some embodiments, first data to open an escrow account is received. The first data may include data indicative of (a) the name of a prospective parent of an unborn intended beneficiary of the escrow account, and (b) an amount to be deposited in the escrow account. A message may then be transmitted to indicate that the escrow account has been opened, and the message may include an account identification number of the escrow account. An indication that the intended beneficiary of the escrow account has been born may be received, and, in response to the indication, an instruction to convert the escrow account to a 529 college savings plan to benefit the intended beneficiary may be issued. Some embodiments are associated with a financial planning tool that receives first data indicating an age of a prospective college student along with second data indicating first investment holdings of a user, the first investment holdings not including any 529 college savings plan. Third data, indicating retirement savings objectives of the user, may also be received. Financial planning calculations may then be performed based on the first, second and third data. The financial planning calculations may, for example, generate a contribution recommendation for a 529 college savings plan to benefit the prospective college student.