Can you change the beneficiary on a 529 plan?

Changing a 529 beneficiary is allowed, but it doesn't solve the fundamental flexibility problem:

Who Can Be a New Beneficiary You can change to another "member of the family" including: - Siblings, step-siblings, half-siblings - Parents, step-parents, grandparents - Aunts, uncles, first cousins - Nieces, nephews - In-laws (in certain categories) - The original beneficiary's spouse

The Catch The new beneficiary still faces the same restriction: funds must be used for qualified education expenses. You're just moving the problem from one person to another. If none of your family members need education funding, you're still stuck.

Tax Considerations - Changing to same-generation or younger: Usually no gift tax implications - Changing to older generation: May trigger gift tax issues - Changing to non-family member: Treated as a withdrawal with full penalties

The Fundamental Problem Remains Beneficiary changes are a workaround, not a solution. You're still betting that SOMEONE in your family will use the money for education. A Child Life Portfolio doesn't have this restriction - use the funds for education, homes, businesses, or anything else.