Hi MEJG,
I'm glad you mentioned Vanguard, since this is where I want to open the 529 and I already invest my own personal money there. I am hoping to get some info from them, but I don't trust their information totally, since they want your money invested with them. It is also good that you say that the recipient can be changed; that leaves a lot of flexibility. Wonder if I could use it to go back to graduate school.....again? That is if my niece doesn't use it.
I have read a little on Clark Howard's website and he has some favorites. I read there that his favorites allow you to use the money for private school, tutoring, books and most educational needs, not necessarily only college (also trade schools as you suggested). I am thinking this is good in case we have to put my "troubled" niece in boarding school or a military academy (or if it would cover teenage "mommy and me" classes, if need be, yikes!!!!).
I just can't find enough solid information about this and would love to hear from someone who has invested and then use the plan for the intended darling child who it was set up for.
Thanks in advance,
AY