Saving for your children's college education is one of the most important financial tasks you will ever undertake. Luckily, you have plenty of savings options, most of them with tax advantages designed to encourage you to invest in your children’s future.
State-Sponsored College Savings Plans
Both 529 and prepaid-tuition plans offer great tax advantages, but that's where the similarities end.
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts
You get more control over your investments, but the amount you invest is limited.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Roth IRAs
These retirement-savings accounts can serve as a fall-back fund for paying the college bill.
U.S. Savings Bonds
There are tax advantages, but not for everyone.
Save in Your Child's Name
You manage the account for your child, but you can't take the money back.
-
Your Guide to Buying Art OnlineFrom virtual galleries to social media platforms, the internet offers plenty of places to shop for paintings, sculptures and other artwork without breaking the bank.
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for $4.99 a Month: A Closer Look at Verizon’s DealVerizon’s aggressive pricing makes Samsung’s top-tier phone tempting, but the real cost depends on your plan and how long you stay.
-
I'm 59 with $1.7 million saved and lost my job. Should I retire?We asked professional wealth planners for advice.
-
AI Appliances Aren’t Exciting Buyers…YetThe Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is being embedded into all sorts of appliances. Now sellers need to get customers to care about AI-powered laundry.
-
New Ways to Use 529 PlansTax-free withdrawals from 529 plans could help you sharpen your job skills.
-
I Want to Help Pay for My Grandkids' College. Should I Make a Lump-Sum 529 Plan Contribution or Spread Funds out Through the Years?We asked a college savings professional and a financial planning expert for their advice.
-
Banks Are Sounding the Alarm About StablecoinsThe Kiplinger Letter The banking industry says stablecoins could have a negative impact on lending.
-
Big Changes Are Ahead for Higher EdThe Kiplinger Letter A major reform of higher ed is underway. Colleges are bracing for abrupt change, financial headwinds and uncertainty.
-
What New Tariffs Mean for Car ShoppersThe Kiplinger Letter Car deals are growing scarcer. Meanwhile, tax credits for EVs are on the way out, but tax breaks for car loans are coming.
-
AI’s Rapid Rise Sparks New Cyber ThreatsThe Kiplinger Letter Cybersecurity professionals are racing to ward off AI threats while also using AI tools to shore up defenses.
-
Blue Collar Workers Add AI to Their ToolboxesThe Kiplinger Letter AI can’t fix a leak or install lighting, but more and more tradespeople are adopting artificial intelligence for back-office work and other tasks.
