Whether college is 18 years away or right around the corner, these strategies will help jump-start your college savings plans.
Figuring the Cost
Knowing how much you'll need for your college-bound kid is the first step.
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.
Smart Strategies
Compare savings options and pick the best place for your college dollars.
With 18 Years to Go
Time is on your side. Save often and aggressively to outpace inflation.
With Ten Years to Go
Fewer day-care expenses and rising salaries may make saving easier than you think.
With Five Years to Go
It's time to start shifting some money to fixed-income securities for safe keeping.
With One Year to Go
You're not there yet. You still have four years of tuition bills to pay. Look for free money and line up loans.
Last Minute Ways to Ease the Pain
If you haven't saved a dime, these resources and tips can help.
Winning the Financial Aid Game
Even the most expensive schools may be within reach with these maximizing strategies.
Figuring the Cost
-
Should You Renew Your CD?With rate cuts impacting earnings, we examine if now is a wise time to renew CDs.
-
7 Ways to Plan Now to Save on Medicare IRMAA Surcharges LaterUnderstand the critical two-year lookback period and why aggressive planning before you enroll in Medicare is the most effective way to minimize IRMAA.
-
Law Reversal Looming? Trump Eyes 2026 Gambling Winnings Tax ChangeTax Deductions It's no secret that the IRS is coming after your gambling winnings in 2026. But how long will that last?
-
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.
