Interpret the graph showing the growth of my children's accounts

Tip: For easier reading, click    (above).

This graph shows the value of money in accounts that are earmarked for your dependents. These accounts include UGMA, UTMA, Education IRA, and other custodial accounts. This graph does not include accounts in your name that you simply plan to use for your child.

You can expect the balances of these dependents' accounts to grow as you make contributions. In addition, the Lifetime Planner assumes that they will grow according to the rate of return you specified in the Expected Return place.

Typically, the balances of these accounts will decrease as you withdraw money to cover college tuition and related expenses. The Lifetime Planner assumes you want to pay for college expenses with the money in these dependents' accounts before it will forecast withdrawals from other accounts.