Investment Choices

Future Scholar offers two different ways to invest in a wide range of investment portfolios designed to meet your risk tolerance and planning horizon.

For complete information on asset allocation ranges and permissible investment strategies and the special risks that may be associated with some of the underlying mutual funds, see the Program Description.

Age-Based Choice

The Automatic Allocation choice allows you to follow an investment strategy that varies based on the age of the child or the number of years remaining before the child is expected to enroll in college. As enrollment in college draws near, the mix of investments in your account automatically shifts from more aggressive equities to more conservative fixed-income and money market mutual funds.1


The percentage allocations shown above are target allocations as of March 2009. These target allocations, and the actual percentage allocations to each underlying fund and asset class, are subject to change at any time. In addition, the underlying funds included in the asset allocation portfolios may change. For the target allocation ranges to individual asset classes, please see the Future Scholar Portfolio Construction.

Note: For complete information on asset allocation ranges, permissible investment strategies and special risks that may be associated with the underlying mutual funds please see the Program Description.

An investment in money market funds is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. Although money market funds seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in money market funds.

Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing in the Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan. Contact your financial advisor or Columbia Management for a Program Description, which contains this and other important information. Read it carefully before investing. You should also consider, before investing, whether the investor's or deignated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program. Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., distributor and underwriter.

Tax treatment varies by state. For residents of states other than South Carolina: Favorable state tax treatment for investing in a Section 529 college savings plan may be limited to investments in a Section 529 college savings plan offered by your home state. You should consult with your tax advisor about any state or local taxes before making any tax-related decisions. The tax information set forth in this presentation is general in nature and does not constitute tax advice on the part of Columbia Management Distributors, Inc. its affiliates or the South Carolina Office of State Treasurer.

The Direct Plan is sold directly by the Program and is limited to a specific group of investors, as described in the Program Description. You may also participate in the Advisor Plan, which is sold exclusively through financial advisors. The Advisor Plan offers additional investment choices, but the fees and expenses are higher. Please contact your financial advisor for additional information on the Advisor Plan.

Columbia Management Group, LLC (Columbia Management) is the investment management division of Bank of America Corporation. Columbia Management entities furnish investment management services and products for institutional and individual investors. The Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan and Columbia Funds are distributed by Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., is part of Columbia Management and an affiliate of Bank of America Corporation.

The Office of State Treasurer of South Carolina (the State Treasurer) administers the Program, and has selected Columbia Management Distributors, Inc. as Program Manager. Columbia Management Distributors, Inc., certain affiliates and its parent company are responsible for providing certain administrative, recordkeeping and investment services and for the marketing of the Program. Neither Columbia Management nor Columbia Management Distributors, Inc. is affiliated with the State Treasurer or Upromise, Inc.

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Investments made in Future Scholar are: NOT FDIC INSURED. May Lose Value. NOT BANK ISSUED. No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee.