Illinois residents with children born or adopted after January first of this year are eligible for the new Illinois First Steps college savings program. It provides enrollees with $50 in seed money to open a 529 Bright Start or Bright Directions college savings account. Treasurer Mike Frerichs says just knowing money has been saved increases the chance a student will pursue higher education. The accounts can be used for community and four-year colleges, as well as trade schools. You can find more details at brightstart.com.