Named for the section of the tax code that provides for their favorable tax treatment, 529 savings plans have become an increasingly popular way to save for college. Assets held in these accounts have grown significantly, from $8.6 billion at the end of 2001 to $251.4 billion at the end of 2016.Named for the section of the tax code that provides for their favorable tax treatment, 529 savings plans have become an increasingly popular way to save for college. Assets held in these accounts have grown significantly, from $8.6 billion at the end of 2001 to $251.4 billion at the end of 2016. Learn about the benefits here. >> Read article