As summer approaches and the school year winds down, many families are starting to ask: How do we prepare the next generation not just to learn, but to lead? How do we help the next generation inherit assets, but more importantly, family values?
At Sunpointe, we see education as a powerful tool for building a family’s human capital — shaping identity, purpose, and the ability to make wise decisions. Thoughtful education planning is a strategic investment in the capabilities and character that last a lifetime.
So, where should families begin this important planning?
🎓 Strategic Education Funding: Beyond Just the 529
The 529 account is a tax-advantaged account (money grows tax-deferred and comes out tax-free for qualified education expenses) to help families fund college via investing over time. But they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. What if your child earns a scholarship, skips college, or needs less than expected? A mix of 529s and more flexible brokerage accounts can offer the right balance between tax efficiency and adaptability. We don’t have a crystal ball, therefore diversifying your account types can have big advantages.
📊 Academic ROI: Aligning Costs with Career Outcomes
Choosing a college (and major) is as much of a financial decision as a personal one. We encourage families and graduates to evaluate expected earnings in a chosen field before agreeing to student loans. A helpful exercise is to take 10% of your projected income and earmark that towards student loans. With that, it can help you answer the question, “how long will it take me to pay back these loans?”
🧠 Financial Literacy and Stewardship: Teach the “Why”
Building financial capability starts early. Whether you’re explaining stocks to a curious sixth grader or helping a college student build their first budget, the goal is to make money feel understandable and purposeful. Start with core concepts like budgeting, saving, and understanding how time affects investment outcomes. As they grow, introduce asset allocation and diversification — not just as investment strategies, but as tools for managing risk. The earlier they connect financial choices to real-life goals, the more confident and capable they’ll become.
👨👩👧👦 Family Values in Action: More Than Just Money
Families who thrive across generations know that money is a tool — not the goal. Here at Sunpointe, we’ve seen families who have expressed their values across three generations by taking an adventure that reinforced a shared love of exploration. Another family we work with has integrated grandchildren into philanthropic planning to instill purpose and gratitude.
Preparing the next generation requires more than financial support, it takes intentional education, shared values, and open conversations. When families invest in human capital, they’re building a legacy of capability, confidence, and connection.
🤝 Your Next Steps: We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re just beginning to think about education planning or you’ve had accounts established for years, the right approach evolves with your family and the changing financial landscape.
Not sure where to start with education funding? Already have a plan but wondering if it still fits your family’s goals? The Sunpointe team is ready to help you align your education strategy with both your financial reality and your family values.
Join our next webcast on Tuesday, June 3rd, to learn more about creating a personalized education funding strategy that works for your family.
You can also contact us to set up a conversation about your family’s education planning needs. We can review existing 529 plans, discuss alternative funding strategies, or help you create an intentional approach to building both financial knowledge and family values in the next generation.
