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Today’s Savings, Tomorrow’s Future

Dear Mom and Dad,

When I was little, I remember walking into my first day of kindergarten and being so excited! I was wearing that red ladybug backpack – the one you couldn’t pay me to take off (though you tried) – and as I turned around and walked away, I overheard you say: “She’ll be in college soon…” At the time, I didn’t understand. The only thing I knew about college was that no matter what happened on the field, “The Bobcats always win!” or at least that’s what you were always cheering, dad. But, I get it now. Even at five years old, you knew that I had dreams to accomplish. And even more than that, you both believed I’d get there.

I know this sounds extreme, but when I look back, I think that might have been when my future started. Do you remember when I turned ten and auditioned to be in the school play? I was so convinced that I would make the perfect leading princess, but of course I got cast as the ladybug instead. I was devastated, but do you remember what you two said – “It’s not the role that makes the actress, but the actress that makes the role.” I’ve carried that advice with me ever since…

Then came prom. And shortly after that, graduation. Before I knew it, you were right – I was heading off to college to pursue a degree in drama and screenwriting. All those years and all those moments, you were right there beside me – picking me up when I was down, beaming from the audience after a successful performance, encouraging me to push beyond the limits. Every step of the way, you were there in the present. But what I never grasped was all the planning you had been doing for my future. The college savings account you opened when I was born. The monthly savings you set aside as I got older. And even the unexpected birthday gifts made on my behalf. While I was charging my own way forward, you were there paving the path ahead – ensuring that I would always have a leg to stand on. As I drive away and embark on a new journey, I know that I’m not going at it alone. Because every day that you saved is now a day that I get to succeed, and for that I am so grateful. Thank you for investing with Achieve Montana; thank you for investing in me.

Love,
Your favorite ladybug

Achieve Montana offers a simple and affordable way to start saving today for their tomorrow. Learn more and open a 529 college savings account for as little as $25 at achievemontana.com.

For more information about Achieve Montana, download an Enrollment Kit at achievemontana.com or call 877.486.9271. The Enrollment Kit includes a Program Description that discusses investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing.
If you are not a Montana taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s qualified tuition program.
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For more information about Achieve Montana, call 877.486.9271 or download an Enrollment Kit. The Enrollment Kit includes a Program Description that discusses investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing.
If you are not a Montana taxpayer, before investing in Achieve Montana, you should consider the benefits of your home state’s qualified tuition program. It may provide taxpayers with state tax and other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds and protection from creditors, that are only available through your home state’s qualified tuition program. You should also consult your financial, tax, or other advisor to learn how state-based benefits (or limitations) would apply to your specific circumstances. Tax and other penalties may apply to non-qualified withdrawals.
Keep in mind that state-based benefits should be one of many appropriately weighted factors to be considered when making an investment decision. In addition, you should periodically assess, and if appropriate, adjust your Section 529 Plan investment choices with your time horizon, risk tolerance and investment objectives in mind.
Achieve Montana is sponsored by the State of Montana and administered by the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education, as sole trustee of the Montana Family Education Savings Trust (Trust). Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC serves as program manager and provides recordkeeping and administrative support services for Achieve Montana. Blackrock Fund Advisors, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., New York Life Insurance Company and the Vanguard Group, Inc. each provide investment management services for the underlying investments comprising Achieve Montana’s portfolios. Although some of the portfolios invest in mutual funds, they are not mutual funds. When you invest in Achieve Montana, you are purchasing portfolio units issued by the Trust. Except to the extent of the New York Life Insurance Company guarantee that is available for the Capital Preservation Portfolio and certain Year of Enrollment Portfolios, investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose money by investing in Achieve Montana.
Account owners assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences.
Upromise is an optional service offered by Upromise, Inc., is separate from Achieve Montana, and is not affiliated with the State of Montana. Terms and conditions apply to the Upromise service. Participating companies, contribution levels, and terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Transfers from Upromise to an Achieve Montana account are subject to a $25 minimum. Go to upromise.com to learn more about Upromise.
Upromise and the Upromise logo are registered service marks of Upromise, Inc. Ugift is a registered service mark of Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, Inc., an affiliate of Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC.
Vanguard is a registered mark of The Vanguard Group, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Used with permission.