MEFA's U.Fund, the Massachusetts 529 college investing plan, combines significant tax advantages with professional investment management, making the U.Fund a flexible and affordable way to save for college.

• The U.Fund can be used to pay for all qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, and equipment.
• All qualified withdrawals are federal and Massachusetts state income tax free.
• The money in your U.Fund account may be used at any federally accredited college or university in the United States and eligible foreign institutions.
• If one child doesn't use the money, you can change the beneficiary to another eligible family member of the original beneficiary.
• You can tailor your investment strategy based on your risk tolerance and your child's age.
• Residents of any state may apply.

The U.Fund offers a choice of portfolios tailored to a child's age. You can also customize portfolio selections based on an asset allocation strategy. U.Fund accounts are managed by Fidelity Investments. Visit Fidelity to learn more about the U.Fund or apply now. (PLEASE NOTE: Clicking this link will take you away from the MEFA web site to a MEFA trusted partner site.)

Preparing for college requires more than just saving money. To help you make reading an integral part of your child's education, MEFA hosts Start U.Reading — a series of literacy events where local celebrities team with favorite children's characters like Dora the Explorer and Clifford the Big Red Dog to encourage kids to read.

Start U.Reading events are held at public libraries across Massachusetts. New locations are added regularly.

• October 2, 2008 - Harvard Library, 2:00 p.m. with Winnie the Pooh
• October 10, 2008 - Worcester Senior Center, 10:30 a.m. with Dora
• October 15, 2008 - Arlington Library, 10:30 a.m. with Winnie the Pooh
• October 28, 2008 - Andover Library, 10:30 a.m. with Clifford
• December 10, 2008 - Sherborn Library, 3:30 p.m. with Clifford