Parents concerned about the cost of their child's future higher education may want to consider opening a tax-advantaged Pennsylvania 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan, according to Rep. Julie Harhart (R-Lehigh/Northampton).

To encourage more families to start saving for college, the PA 529 GSP is offering free enrollment - a $50 savings - for all new accounts opened before Dec. 31 at PA529.com. Use code "HARHART" when prompted. Families also will have a chance to win a $529 college savings account by registering at PA529.com/contest/ by the end of the year.

The PA 529 GSP is designed to help savings grow to meet the future cost of education. The plan allows an account owner to save for tomorrow's college expenses at today's plan rates - without worrying about the ups and downs of the stock market.

Pennsylvania also offers a second 529 plan, the PA 529 Investment Plan,, in which returns are based on financial market performance. The PA 529 IP features low fees and more than a dozen conservative and aggressive investment options from The Vanguard Group, one of the nation's largest financial services companies. There is no enrollment fee for the PA 529 IP.

Contributions to PA 529 plans are deductible from Pennsylvania income taxes, grow tax free, and, when used for qualified educational expenses, are federal and state tax exempt. Both plans provide flexibility to pay for higher education expenses at most higher education institutions across the country.

For additional information, or to open an account, visit PA529.com or call 1-800-440-4000.