To help these families, we've listed six common ways you can save for college, and the biggest pros and cons of each:
8 Ways to Save for Your Child's College Education
Keep stashing 10% to 15% of your income to a 401k, IRA or other retirement plan – and don't raid it to pay for college one day. Invest in a 529 College Savings Plan. Turbo-boost your college savings campaign with a 529 Plan, offered in almost all 50 U.S. states.
But 529s and ESAs are generally considered better choices for college savings because of their tax advantages. There are two types of tax-advantaged college savings plans designed to help parents finance education: 529 Plans and Education Savings Accounts (also known as ESAs or Coverdell accounts).
A 529 plan could mean less financial aid.
The largest drawback to a 529 plan is that colleges consider it when deciding on financial aid. This means your child could receive less financial aid than you might otherwise need.
Roth IRAs
Another 529 alternative to put away money for college and invest it for a potentially larger return is to utilize an account intended for retirement, such as a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs are individual retirement accounts that allow people to save and invest after-tax money.
How Much Should I Have Saved by 18? In this case, you'd want to have an estimated $1,220 in savings by the time you're 18 and starting this arrangement. This accounts for three months' worth of rent, car insurance payments, and smartphone plan – because it might take you awhile to find a job.
Your college savings goal should be $60,400 for a public, in-state college; $95,600 for a public, out-of-state college; and $118,900 for a private college. If these numbers seem daunting, don't worry. There are ways to break it down into an achievable monthly contribution.
At that rate, in a savings account, you'd need to contribute about $300 per month for 18 years to pay for a third of the projected cost of a public, in-state college; around $500 for out-of-state; and around $600 per month for a private university. Nearly double the required savings compared to a 529.
True or false: I will lose the money if my child doesn't go to college or gets a scholarship and doesn't need all the money. False. You don't lose unused money in a 529 plan. ... You can withdraw the amount of any scholarship awards from your 529 without penalty; federal and state income taxes on the earnings still apply.
The simple answer is: No, you won't lose your money. The funds in a 529 plan can be used in a number of other ways if your beneficiary decides not to pursue higher education.
In most cases, your 529 plan will have a minimal effect on the amount of aid you receive and will end up helping you more than hurting you. There are also several steps you can take to increase your child's eligibility for student financial aid.
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