The ABCs of Saving for College
This tutorial will help you figure the cost of a college education, develop a savings strategy and find funding sources.
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.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Stock Market Today: Have We Seen the Bottom for Stocks?
Solid first-quarter earnings suggest fundamentals remain solid, and recent price action is encouraging too.
By David Dittman
-
Is the GOP Secretly Planning to Raise Taxes on the Rich?
Tax Reform As high-stakes tax reform talks resume on Capitol Hill, questions are swirling about what Republicans and President Trump will do.
By Kelley R. Taylor
-
What To Know if You’re in the Market for a New Car This Year
The Kiplinger Letter Buying a new car will get a little easier, but don’t expect many deals.
By David Payne
-
How Intrafamily Loans Can Bridge the Education Funding Gap
To avoid triggering federal gift taxes, a family member can lend a student money for education at IRS-set interest rates. Here's what to keep in mind.
By Denise McClain, JD, CPA
-
How an Irrevocable Trust Could Pay for Education
An education trust can be set up for one person or multiple people, and the trust maker decides how the money should be used and at what age.
By Denise McClain, JD, CPA
-
Will Lower Mortgage Rates Bring Relief to the Housing Market?
The Kiplinger Letter As mortgage rates slowly come down here's what to expect in the housing market over the next year or so.
By Rodrigo Sermeño
-
UTMA: A Flexible Alternative for Education Expenses and More
This custodial account can be used to pay for anything once the beneficiary is considered an adult in their state. There are some considerations, though.
By Denise McClain, JD, CPA
-
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts: A Deep Dive
While there are some limitations on income and contributions, as well as other restrictions, a Coverdell can be a bit more flexible than a 529 plan.
By Denise McClain, JD, CPA
-
529 Plans: A Powerful Way to Tackle Rising Education Costs
Contributions to 529 plans grow tax-free and are not taxed when they are used to pay for qualified educational expenses for the beneficiary.
By Denise McClain, JD, CPA
-
Car Prices Are Finally Coming Down
The Kiplinger Letter For the first time in years, it may be possible to snag a good deal on a new car.
By David Payne