Investment Overview
No matter your risk tolerance, IDeal has options for you. The options range from a 'set it and forget it' target enrollment option, to Fixed Asset Allocation portfolios that allow you to create your own strategy, to an FDIC insured savings account. Choose the one that best fits your timeline for saving for future education. If your savings goals change down the road, you can change your investment selections up to two times per calendar year. Vanguard® serves as Investment Manager for IDeal.
“Set it and forget it.”
Portfolios will automatically shift from a growth-oriented allocation to a more conservative mix based on the year the beneficiary is expected to enter their education program.
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“It's a more hands-on approach.”
Portfolios cover the spectrum of investment styles, from aggressive growth to conservative Money Market funds; your investments don't change until you say so.
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“A safe, FDIC-insured option.”
The Savings Portfolio is a lower-risk, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured option for account owners seeking a conservative investment choice; managed by Sallie Mae Bank.
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Choosing the right investment strategy starts with understanding your goals and preferences. Ask yourself these key questions to guide your decision making:
How much do I want to save?
Think about your total savings goal based on tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
How fast do I want to save?
Think about how much time you have before tuition bills start rolling in.
How hands-on do I want to be?
Think about how regularly you want to check in and maintain your investment strategy.
How comfortable am I with risk?
Think about how comfortable you are balancing stability with potential for growth
Yes. You may change your investment options twice per calendar year, or whenever you change the beneficiary of the account to a member of the family of the previous beneficiary. Additional rules apply; see the Disclosure Statement for details.
No. Except for the Savings Portfolio within FDIC limits and program rules, investments in IDeal are not FDIC-insured, may lose value, and are not guaranteed by the State of Idaho, the Board, or Ascensus. Units are municipal securities.
IDeal has no commissions, loads, or sales charges. The total annual asset based fee is .36% ($3.60 per $1,000 invested), and there is an annual $20 account fee if neither the account owner nor the beneficiary is an Idaho resident. This fee is waived for residents. See the current Disclosure Statement for the latest fee information.
Target Enrollment is designed to automatically move toward a more conservative mix as the enrollment year nears, which can work well if you want a “set and forget” approach. Fixed Asset Allocation options let you pick a mix and change it (within program rules) if you want more control. Consider your time horizon, comfort with market risk, and how much you want to adjust holdings yourself.
The Savings Portfolio is a conservative option that invests in an FDIC-insured savings product within program rules, designed for those prioritizing capital preservation, not a substitute for a money market or other funds in the program. For details, including FDIC insurance limits, see the program Disclosure Statement and savings option materials.
Yes. You can allocate your contributions across the plan’s available investment options according to the program’s rules, including split balances across more than one portfolio, subject to investment selection change limits. Review the Disclosure Statement and plan materials for how allocation and changes work in your situation.
In Target Enrollment, the mix generally becomes more conservative as the chosen enrollment year approaches. In fixed options, the mix does not change unless you change it (within the program’s limits). If the timeline shortens, you can review whether your current option still matches the timeline and your comfort with risk, and work with a financial professional if you need help.
IDeal’s Disclosure Statement, website materials, and account documents describe the investment options, fees, and other details. The program’s price and performance reporting (where available) and underlying fund or savings account information for each option is published in materials updated by the program. Contact IDeal or your financial professional if you have questions.
