How much to fund 529s?
I'm struggling to set a target funding level for the 529s I have in place for my kids, and I'm hoping to get some advice from others in a similar spot. So my wife and I are mid-30s professionals in a HCOL area with two kids ages 5 and 2. I can't imagine them doing anything but the college track, but my wife has two happy siblings that skipped higher education. As a result, we're in different places on the issue.
Details/Thoughts:
-Two 529s are in place currently at $43k and $22k
-Grandparent inheritance is structured to go to our kids, not us, so I'm not worried about my future grandkids education.
-Education in the US is tracking to become super expensive at 5% increase per year. Last I saw was $175k-$200k for four years of in state public. That feels crazy, but maybe it's real. Or maybe progressive policies and education innovation upend the system.
So do we go aggressive and fund as fully as possible given cost outlook, which risks over paying, or only partially fund? What have you decided to do?
Edit:
Adding more details per comments: -Income is around $350k/year from two jobs. No expected real income from RE, etc.
-Current investments aside from 529s is $1.35M -Remaining mortgage of $300k currently with 20 years left on loan.
-Inheritance is uncertain but likely mid 5 figures per child and 20-30 years away.
Posted Mar 27, 2019, 6:09 AM UTC · edited