Florida Prepaid College Board

01/06/2025 | Press release | Archived content

A Legacy of Learning: Three Generations of Florida Prepaid Success

A Legacy of Learning: Three Generations of Florida Prepaid Success

What if you could give your child the freedom to dream big-without worrying about student loan debt?

That's exactly what Heather G.'s parents set out to do in 1988 when they opened a Florida Prepaid Plan for her. It was a small, thoughtful investment that became the foundation of her future. Today, Heather is carrying on that legacy for her own son, proving that a little planning now can make a world of difference later.

The Power of Saving Early

When Heather looks back on her college years, what stands out most isn't just her degree-it's the choices she was able to make along the way. With a Florida Prepaid Plan and a Bright Futures Scholarship, she attended her dream school, Flagler College, and only needed a small loan to bridge the gap. Thanks to her parents' smart planning, she graduated with minimal debt and paid it off completely before turning 30.

"Florida Prepaid gave me the flexibility to pursue the education I truly wanted without sacrificing my financial future," Heather shares. "It wasn't just about covering costs-it was about giving me freedom of choice."

When Heather became a mom, she knew she wanted the same for her son. Starting small with a 1-Year University Plan, she began building his college savings step by step:

  • When he was born, she purchased his first year of tuition.
  • After daycare graduation, she purchased his second year of tuition.
  • In kindergarten, she added a 1-Year Dormitory Plan and opened a Florida 529 Savings Plan to save even more for his future.

Now, Heather feels confident that her son will have the same opportunities she did-without the burden of overwhelming debt.

A Financial Expert Weighs In

"Florida Prepaid Plans are a practical, reliable option for families looking to prepare for future college costs," says Mari Adam, an expert in college savings strategies. "I recommend these plans to parents because they lock in tuition rates at today's plan prices, helping families avoid the financial strain of rising costs. Plus, they work seamlessly with scholarships and financial aid, offering peace of mind and a clear path to achieving their child's educational goals."

The Long-Term Impact: Securing Their Future

For families like Heather's, Florida Prepaid isn't just about saving money-it's about creating opportunities. With student loan debt at an all-time high, the importance of early savings has never been clearer:

67% of recent graduates with student loans say their debt has delayed milestones like buying a home, saving for retirement, or getting married.
(Fidelity, 2023)

By starting a Florida Prepaid Plan, you're not only protecting your child from the burden of debt-you're giving them the freedom to focus on their future.

Your Turn: Build Your Legacy

Heather's story is proof that it's never too early-or too late-to start planning for your child's future.

Whether you begin with a 1-Year University Plan or choose a more comprehensive option, every step you take brings you closer to securing their dreams.

Open Enrollment is now through April 30, 2025. Our easy-to-use Prepaid Plan Calculator makes it simple to explore options, compare costs, and create a customized plan for your family.

Explore your options, find a plan that fits your budget, and start building a legacy of learning today.

Learn more about Prepaid Plans here.

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