9 ways to save for education (without rearranging your whole life)

This May, we’re celebrating 5/29 Day—yep, as in May 29—to remind students and families that investing in education is one of the smartest moves you can make. And there’s no better time to take advantage of a VT529 education savings plan, created to help your savings go further and work hard for your future.

Vermont’s official education savings plan, VT529, is managed by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) and offers advantages to help you grow your fund over time. In addition, Vermont taxpayers may be eligible for an income tax credit of up to $500 per account, annually. The best part? Twenty-five dollars can get you started with a new VT529 account, and you can enable automatic deductions if you like. Every contribution can grow significantly with time and smart investing.

And while that may sound great (but also challenging), saving for college or training—whether for yourself or your children—doesn’t have to push your limits or take away from the things you enjoy. With a few effective habits and consistent effort, small steps can add up. From rounding up purchases to setting aside a little each week to contribute to your VT529, here are some simple ways (many of which you can start right now) to save small amounts without making big sacrifices.  

1. Save your bottle deposit refunds

Vermont has a bottle return program, and those 5–10¢ refunds add up fast. Collect cans and bottles from your home—or offer to take your neighbors’ recyclables—and set aside the cash you earn. Each month, deposit the total into your VT529. It’s a high-impact habit.

2. Round up your purchases

Use apps like Acorns to round up your debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and stash the difference in your bank account. Then, schedule a recurring transfer from your bank account to your VT529. These “invisible” savings can easily add up to hundreds per year—and once they’re in your VT529, they can grow tax-free and help you qualify for Vermont’s tax credit.

3. Cash in loose change

Empty your pockets, clean out your car, and check your couch cushions for coins. Collect your change in a jar, and once it’s full, roll your coins and bring them into the bank to turn them into cash. Just like that, you’ve got a lump sum to deposit into your education fund. It’s old-school, but effective.

4. “No-Spend” days or weeks

Challenge yourself to skip unnecessary spending for a day or even a week. Bring your own coffee to work or school, skip those tempting checkout snacks, and watch free movies included with your streaming service. Bonus: you might discover just how often you spend out of habit.

5. Save windfalls, not wages

Use bonuses, tax refunds, birthday money, or rebate checks as an opportunity to boost your education savings. These one-off windfalls are perfect for contributing to your VT529 without affecting your daily budget.

6. Start a community swap or sale

Host a neighborhood yard sale or swap event. Sell unused items and donate the proceeds to your or your child’s VT529. It’s a great way to declutter and turn unwanted stuff into long-term opportunity.

7. Open a “Hidden” savings account

If you struggle to save consistently, open a no-fee savings account at a separate bank and label it “Education Fund.” Automate weekly transfers. Every few months, move your balance into your VT529 account. Out of sight, out of mind—but growing with purpose.

8. Match your own spending

Create a personal rule: every time you spend on something “fun”—like coffee, fast food, or streaming—match it with a contribution to your education fund. This helps you stay aware of your spending and makes your VT529 grow steadily.

9. Ask for 529 contributions instead of gifts

Ask loved ones to help build the future: contribute to your VT529 college savings plan instead, or as part of, a gift to you or your child. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or other celebration, it's a gift that truly keeps on giving.

Small habits, big impact

You don’t need to radically change your lifestyle to start saving for education. Just be consistent and intentional with your spending habits. And when you use tools like the VT529 plan, your small contributions can grow faster and more efficiently, thanks to investment growth and tax benefits.

Remember: it’s not about how much you save at once—it’s about how often you keep saving.

Start today, it’s 5/29 month! Choose just one habit and set up your VT529 account to begin building a brighter future—one bottle, coin, or roundup at a time.