Many parents think opening a college savings account is time-consuming or requires professional help. Actually, with Michigan Education Savings Program, “it’s really very easy,” says Jennifer Howey, senior marketing manager for TIAA-CREF Financial Services. There are a few options, too. Here’s how it works:
You can enroll online. Visit MISaves.com, and at the very top of the homepage, look for the big blue button that says, “Open an account,” or go directly to MISaves.com/open to get started.
Or, mail it in. Print your enrollment forms from MISaves.com/open, fill them out, and mail them back to MESP.
Make a request. You can request an enrollment kit online, or call to have the materials sent to you. Call 877-861-MESP from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
What you need. To set up an account, you’ll want to have a few things prepared to make filling out the forms quicker. Here’s what MESP recommends:
- A blank check and/or deposit slip
- Your bank branch’s phone number
- Your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number
- The name and Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number of the beneficiary
And just a helpful note from Howey: The first Social Security Number you’ll enter on the form is for the account owner (parents, grandparents, etc.), and the second is the beneficiary (your child, niece, etc.).
Don’t forget to read the Disclosure Booklet for more details, which you can find in PDF form on MISaves.com.
Any questions? Concerns? No worries. The folks at MESP are here to help. Visit MESP on the web, or give them a call at 877-861-MESP.
