Helping You Invest in Their Future—Without Losing Sight of Yours

Education Planning That Fits Your Family and Your Goals

At Financial LifeLab, we help families across Minnesota plan for education costs with confidence and perspective. Whether you’re saving for a child, grandchild, or simply exploring your options, our role is to help you create a plan that supports their future without disrupting your own.


Education funding can feel overwhelming—rising costs, complex savings vehicles, and questions about financial aid. We simplify the process by helping you understand your options, choose the right tools, and coordinate your savings strategy with your broader financial plan. Our goal is simple: to make sure your loved one’s education dreams stay within reach, while your own financial goals stay secure.

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Smart, Flexible Strategies for Education Savings

We provide clear, customized guidance to help families prepare for education expenses with balance and intention.

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529 College Savings Plans


We help you compare and manage state-sponsored plans to take advantage of tax benefits and long-term growth opportunities.

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Custodial Accounts (UGMA/UTMA)


We review whether custodial accounts are the right choice for your child’s financial future and your overall tax strategy.

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Education Trusts


We coordinate with your estate plan to establish education-focused trusts that reflect your family’s legacy and priorities.

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Financial Aid Planning


We help you understand how savings affect FAFSA and financial aid eligibility, so you can plan wisely without unintended trade-offs.

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Grandparent & Multi-Generational Planning


We guide grandparents and extended family members in structuring gifts or contributions to maximize benefit while reducing tax impact.

A Clear Path to Confident Education Planning

We make it easy to turn good intentions into a structured, sustainable plan.

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Clarify Your Goals

We start by understanding who you’re saving for, what kind of education you’re planning to support, and your broader financial priorities.

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Review Your Options

We explain the pros and cons of different education savings vehicles in plain English—so you can make confident, informed choices.

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Integrate Your Plan

We coordinate your education funding strategy with your retirement, investment, and tax planning to keep everything aligned.

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Monitor and Adjust

As costs, laws, and your family’s circumstances change, we’ll review and refine your plan to stay on track.

Common Questions About Education Funding

  • How much should I be saving for college?

    There’s no one right number. We’ll help you estimate future costs, explore contribution options, and set a savings target that feels realistic for your budget.

  • Are 529 plans always the best choice?

    They’re one of the most popular tools for college savings—but not always the only one. We’ll help you compare 529s with custodial accounts, trusts, and other flexible strategies.

  • Can grandparents contribute to education savings?

    Yes—and it can often be done in a tax-efficient way. We’ll help structure contributions so they support your loved one’s goals while aligning with your estate plan.

  • What if my child doesn’t go to college?

    Many plans now allow funds to be redirected to another beneficiary or even toward apprenticeships or student loan payments. We’ll help you keep options open.

Let’s Create a Plan That Puts Education Within Reach

Education is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Let’s build a plan that supports your loved one’s future—without compromising yours.