News Release

Give the Gift that Children Can't Outgrow: A College Education

Kids can't outgrow it. It won't wear out. It can't get lost or broken. Its value will only increase. And it doesn't require batteries.

A Florida Prepaid College Plan is the perfect holiday gift for a child or grandchild.

As parents and grandparents consider what presents to buy children this holiday season, the Florida Prepaid College Plan is encouraging families to put college savings on their gift list. The deadline to receive current Florida Prepaid College Plan prices is January 31, 2009.

"Buying toys, video games and sports equipment is fun, but it is smart to redirect some of those dollars to what children will need for their future, a college education," Tom Wallace, Florida Prepaid College Board executive director, said, "Starting to save for college for your children or grandchildren, or enhancing their college savings, may be the most meaningful gift you give this holiday season."

The Budget for College Challenge on the Florida Prepaid College Plan Web site, http://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/Affordability/MakeRoom.asp, helps families figure out where there may be room in their budgets for college savings.

"It is one of the best gifts we will ever give them," said Christine Acosta of Miami, who has Prepaid College Plans for her four sons. "It was a great priority for my husband and I to ensure our children would have the opportunity to attend universities."

Americans traditionally spend $22 billion a year on toys, according to the Toy Industry Association. Even during the current economic downturn, many families will spend up to $500 per child on holiday gifts, according to Yahoo. However three out of four parents in a recent AllianceBernstein survey said they would save more for college if they limited spending on items such as toys, clothes, electronics and entertainment.

Purchasing a four-year university tuition prepaid plan for a newborn, who will enroll in college in 2027, can save a family up to $25,000. Florida Prepaid College Plan prices are affordable, starting at a little over $3 a day for the 4-year university tuition plan for a newborn. Plans can be used at Florida's public universities and community colleges, or their value may be transferred to out-of-state and private colleges.

No need to stand in long lines at the mall, since Florida Prepaid College Plan online enrollment is easy and available at www.myfloridaprepaid.com. Or call 1-800-552-GRAD (4723) to order an Enrollment Kit in English or Spanish.