Lincoln area families are invited to NESTFest, a free family festival to celebrate Nebraska’s college savings plans 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Northern Lights branch of First National Bank, 84th and Holdrege streets.
The festival is hosted by Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg, the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST), and First National Bank. NESTFest is a celebration of Nebraska’s 529 college savings plans and an opportunity for families to learn more about how they can save for their children’s futures.
September is recognized as College Savings Month in Nebraska and across the United States. NESTFests also are scheduled for Sept. 28 in Blair and Oct. 6 in Wayne.
Free for the whole family, NESTFest in Lincoln will feature free food and treats, a magic show by Jeff Quinn, DJ Romeo, animals from Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Pioneers Park Nature Center, the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra’s instrument petting zoo, Funtastic Faces face painting, inflatable sports games, and a Hy-Vee cooking demonstration. State Treasurer Stenberg will greet families.
“NESTFest is a lively, fun event that gives young families an opportunity to spend time together outdoors and, at the same time, learn more about how to save for college to ensure their children’s educational futures. We are expecting a large turnout,” said Treasurer Stenberg. Stenberg is Trustee of the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust.
As part of the NESTFest celebration, NEST is offering each new customer a $25 new account bonus to jump start a college savings plan account. Representatives from NEST will be available to answer questions about the bonus, the NEST plans, and saving for college.
“We want families across Nebraska to know about our fine state-sponsored college savings plans that are available to them,” Stenberg said.
“NEST has been recognized by national experts as one of the top college savings plans in the nation. We’re extremely proud of the program and equally as proud of the commitment thousands of families have made to save for college and help create a bright future for their children. NESTFest is an opportunity to celebrate Nebraska’s 529 college savings plans and the many opportunities ahead for Nebraska’s youth,” said Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director of College Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha.
About NEST
NEST is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, the NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, the Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan, and the State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. Union Bank & Trust Company serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans, which have more than 285,000 accounts, including over 94,000 in Nebraska. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.
About First National Bank of Omaha
First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $23 billion in assets and 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas.
