529 Plan: West Virginia vs. Ohio? Recommendations Please
Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 1:46 pm
This is an update from an earlier port on this subject. After much due diligence, my family has narrowed its 529 college savings options to two plans, the state of Ohio College Advantage Plan or the West Virginia Smart Select Plan? The following is a summary comparing what their "balanced" portfolios represent and would greatly appreciate any advice on which you would select and why? Please note that we are not eligible to participate in a coverdell account so unfortunately the PP is not an option for us... 
West Virginia Balanced DFA Portfolio
Total Expenses: 0.70%
9% DFA International Core Equity (DFIEX)
36% DFA US Core Equity 2 (DFQTX)
22% DFA Intermediate Government (DFIGX)
11% DFA 5 Year Global Fixed Income (DFGBX)
11% DFA 2 Year Global Fixed Income (DFGFX)
11% DFA 1 Year Fixed Income (DFIHX)
Benefits: More of a small and value global tilt and more international small exposure. The DFA 5 Yr and 2 Yr Global Fixed Income are $ hedged with no currency exposure and use a variable maturity strategy based on yield curve. Some deflation protection by including intermediate treasuries.
Ohio College Advantage Portfolio
Total Expenses: 0.25%
40% Vanguard Total US Stock Market Index
10% Vanguard Developed Market Index
25% Vanguard Total Bond Market
12.5% Vanguard Inflation Protection Securities
12.5% Vanguard Prime Money Market
Benefits: lower costs by 0.45% versus West Virginia. Does not have much foreign small exposure or value tilt compared to DFA. Limited deflation protection with small position in money market, not enough to help lift portfolio during deflationary periods.
Thanks in advance for your insight.

West Virginia Balanced DFA Portfolio
Total Expenses: 0.70%
9% DFA International Core Equity (DFIEX)
36% DFA US Core Equity 2 (DFQTX)
22% DFA Intermediate Government (DFIGX)
11% DFA 5 Year Global Fixed Income (DFGBX)
11% DFA 2 Year Global Fixed Income (DFGFX)
11% DFA 1 Year Fixed Income (DFIHX)
Benefits: More of a small and value global tilt and more international small exposure. The DFA 5 Yr and 2 Yr Global Fixed Income are $ hedged with no currency exposure and use a variable maturity strategy based on yield curve. Some deflation protection by including intermediate treasuries.
Ohio College Advantage Portfolio
Total Expenses: 0.25%
40% Vanguard Total US Stock Market Index
10% Vanguard Developed Market Index
25% Vanguard Total Bond Market
12.5% Vanguard Inflation Protection Securities
12.5% Vanguard Prime Money Market
Benefits: lower costs by 0.45% versus West Virginia. Does not have much foreign small exposure or value tilt compared to DFA. Limited deflation protection with small position in money market, not enough to help lift portfolio during deflationary periods.
Thanks in advance for your insight.