Choosing the right college savings account for your child can seem overwhelming.
College savings fund for baby.
If you choose to set money aside in a regular savings account you could be missing out on tax benefits on baby s college savings.
Tuition and living costs can run over 60 000 for a year at a private college and more than 30 000 per year at a state university.
The best ways to start a college fund.
Put 15 of your income toward retirement savings through your employer sponsored retirement plan like a 401 k and or a roth ira.
Expecting college costs to continue growing say you want to cover 50 000 in annual college costs for four years when your baby turns 18.
Save for baby s college.
It combines a college cost calculator with a 529 college savings calculator.
This amount must be invested after taxes are taken out but it grows tax free.
Give yourself a refresher on financial aid lingo.
There are several options each with unique sets of complex rules.
But making the right choice while your child is young even a baby can save you a lot of angst down the road when it comes time to apply for financial aid and search for scholarships you can find the right type of college savings account for.
Like 529 college savings plans prepaid plan holders can change beneficiaries at any time but must pay a 10 percent penalty plus income tax on funds used for anything other than college tuition.
Dave recommends saving for your children s college using the following three tax favored plans.
Be sure to use tax favored plans starting with an education savings account esa.
Saving about 500 a month now earning 5 along the way.
This college cost and savings calculator is the ideal tool for your college planning needs.
Choose the best college savings option for you.
Receive a guaranteed payment of 10 000 to 150 000 when your policy reaches maturity as long as premiums are paid.
Here s what you can do.
An esa allows you to invest up to 2 000 per year.
Obtain a personalized projection of your future college costs by entering your child s age the type of college you re saving for and your household income.
The gerber life college plan grows in value over time and isn t impacted by the ups and downs of the stock market to help pay for college when your child is ready.
Fortunately there are ways to start a college fund that can help you and your child cover tuition.