Similar to a 529 plan, a Coverdell ESA offers the potential for tax-free growth when you use the account to fund a child's qualified higher education expenses.

Parents, grandparents and other family members can contribute up to $2,000 per year (non-deductible) into an Coverdell ESA for each child under age 18 so long as your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is below $220,000 for joint filers, or below $110,000 if you're single. Although, the contribution amount is limited, it can be invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CD’s or other self-directed investments. The contributions can also be used to pay for qualified expenses (including tuition and fees) for elementary school, secondary school, college, as well as a variety of post-secondary eduction. Your child under 18 is named as the beneficiary on the account, with a parent or legal guardian named as the responsible individual.

The principal grows tax-free until distributed. Withdrawals from an Coverdell ESA are free from federal income taxes as long as the withdrawals are less than or equal to the costs and fees associated with the child's education, such as tuition, books, fees, and supplies.

If there are funds left over after your child has finished his or her education, there are two options: The remaining amount can be withdrawn and given to the designated beneficiaries with tax consequences, or the remaining amount can be rolled over into to another Coverdell ESA for the benefit of a member of the designated beneficiary's family, in which case there are no tax consequences.

Once the Coverdell ESA account holder reaches age 30, the account must be closed or transferred to a younger member of the family.