Resources for Youth
When it comes to your financial well-being, it's never too early (or too late) to begin planning. Understanding your financial needs and goals is the first step in achieving a sound financial future. The Treasurer's Office supports programs that will help Connecticut children, young adults, and families to make informed choices to help achieve important financial goals.
Baby Bonds: Investing in CT's Future
First-in-the-country initiative (passed in 2021) that provides a significant investment for all CT babies whose births are covered by HUSKY, the state's Medicaid program. At age 18, eligible young people can make a claim on the funds to use for any of the following purposes: (1) pay for higher education / training, (2) purchase a home in CT, (3) invest in a CT business, or (4) start a retirement account. The program is designed to build wealth and provide additional investment in CT's cities and towns.
CHET: Connecticut‘s 529 College Savings Program
The Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) is Connecticut's only state-sponsored 529 college savings program. The Connecticut State Treasurer is the trustee of CHET. CHET accounts help families plan and save for college in a tax-advantaged investment vehicle. CHET features state and federal tax free earnings and withdrawals on qualified higher education expenses. Connecticut families can take an income tax deduction (up to $5,000 for single filers, $10,000 for joint filers) on contributions to CHET accounts. CHET has among the lowest fees in the industry, offers a choice of investment options, and can be used at thousands of higher education institutions in the United States and abroad. CHET is for all income levels, and accounts can be opened with as little as $25 (or $15 per pay period if your employer offers this service).
In 2021, Connecticut State Treasurer and Trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET), Shawn T. Wooden, relaunched the State’s 529 college savings plan under a new program manager, Fidelity Investments. Participants should visit the Fidelity CHET Transition website for more information on the transition of your 529 account and how to activate.
CHESLA - The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority
The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) is a quasi-public state authority created to help students and their families finance the cost of higher education. It serves as an alternative source of loan funds for students and families. Visit www.chesla.org for details.
Students with Disabilities: Scholarships and Financial Aid
Students with disabilities often have a larger financial burden than those without. The extra boost in financial security can be the difference between attending college or not attending college. To that end, this website has a handy data set meant to help people with disabilities find the help that can take them through graduation.
CT Dollars & Sense
The CT Dollars & Sense website is a one-stop resource for planning, saving and paying for college. It offers "the information that you need -- whether you're trying to save, looking for scholarships, considering a loan or just want to figure out how to put it all together." The website combines college planning and financial literacy information from CHET, CHESLA, the Office of Higher Education, the Department of Banking, and the Department of Consumer Protection. Visit .
SmartAboutMoney.org
This National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) website offers practical articles, worksheet, tips, and valuable services from the web to help with the financial implications of major life events, major purchases and investing for the future. Visit www.smartaboutmoney.org.
Annuity.org
This website offers advice about personal finance, money management, budgeting, saving, debt, student loans, real estate, business finance and retirement.