<prompt> Human: Hi everyone, I am new here. I am going back to school this Fall for my MS. The total cost for this 2 year program is just under 20k. We started a college fund for our daughter when she was a baby that now has just over 5k. Our daughter is five years old and disabled deafblind so it is hard to say at this time if she will pursue higher education. I think it is probably a good idea to use this money now to avoid any tax penalties if she doesnt end up needing it for education. On the other hand, I would feel guilty using this money, like Im giving up on her future. What are the financial effects I should consider before changing the beneficiary on this account?  <response>: Crap advice being given here. If you can get a student loan for a lower interest rate than the return on this investment, keep the investment and take the loan. If you cannot get a lower than 5 rate, crack the piggy bank. If you keep the account for your daughter you should consider rolling this into a 529ABLE account. Its like a 529 but includes many more expenses for a disabled minor and eventually adult on disability to use for education, occupational therapy and homework adaptations. With the same tax benefits. 