re: LA Start Plan

Huge pro is state matching up to 14% of your contribution based on last years Adjusted Gross Income from your tax return.

Example. Your AGI LAST year was $40,000. You now know for each dollar you contribute to 529 plan THIS year the state will automatically match 11%. That's guaranteed return even before tax free investment growth. If you know one tax year may be better or worse than others you can make contributions planning for it. The match is between 2-14% based on last years AGI.

With the match, tax free growth, state tax deduction it's a no brainier. My daughter starts LSU this fall and we have fully funded. If you are worried about getting TOPS etc and not needing so much of your 529 then don't fund as much along the way. You can transfer the money to another beneficiary though like other children, grandchildren or others.

CON. Nothing of note that wouldn't be offset by advantages in my experience.