Contributing to an Account

What Are the Limits on the Amount an Individual Can Contribute?

A minimum Contribution is not required, nor do you have to contribute to your Account every year. The Program has no minimum initial and subsequent required Contributions to an Account.

The Maximum Account Balance is $320,000.

Accounts that have reached the Maximum Account Balance may continue to accrue earnings, but additional Contributions will not be accepted and will be returned. Additional Contributions may be made in the future if the Account value falls below the Maximum Account Balance or the Maximum Account Balance is increased.

The Maximum Account Balance of $320,000 is based on the aggregate market value of the Account(s) for a Beneficiary and not on the aggregate Contributions made to the Account(s). Contributions can not be made to any Account for a Beneficiary if the aggregate Account balance, including the proposed Contributions, for that Beneficiary (including all Program Accounts for the same Beneficiary and any accounts under other Illinois Section 529 Programs, including the Bright Start College Savings Program and College Illinois!, regardless of Account Owner) would exceed the “Maximum Account Balance” limit. The Treasurer will periodically review and adjust the Maximum Account Balance as needed.

Investment Products: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value.

The Bright Directions® College Savings Program is part of the Illinois College Savings Pool and is designed to qualify as a qualified tuition program under the provisions of Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Bright Directions® College Savings Program is sponsored by the State of Illinois and administered by the Illinois State Treasurer, as Trustee. Union Bank & Trust Company serves as Program Manager, and Northern Trust Securities, Inc., acts as Distributor.

Securities, products, and services are offered by Northern Trust Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

You should be aware that other states may sponsor their own qualified tuition plans and may offer a state tax deduction or other benefits that are limited to residents who invest in that plan. You should consult with a tax advisor about state and local taxes.

Withdrawals used to pay for qualified higher education expenses are income tax-free (Federal and State of Illinois). Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for enrollment at a qualified institution of higher education. Room and board is considered a qualified higher education expense if the student is enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

Every individual’s tax situation is different, and it is important to consult a qualified tax advisor regarding the application of the Program’s benefits to your own individual situation.

There is no guarantee that any investment portfolio will achieve its investment goals. The value of an account will go up or down based on the performance of the Portfolio in which the account is invested. When funds are withdrawn, they may have more or less than the total contributions made to the account. Past investment performance is no guarantee of future results.

Investments in the Bright Directions® College Savings Program are not guaranteed or insured by the State of Illinois, the Illinois State Treasurer, Union Bank & Trust Company, Northern Trust Securities, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or any other entity. An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities and the underlying investment companies before investing. Please contact your investment professional or call 866–722–7283 to obtain a Program Disclosure Statement (issuer’s official statement) or prospectus for any of the underlying funds. Please read the Program Disclosure Statement carefully prior to investing.