Preparing for a College Education

You've probably heard that by the time your childscholarships and financial aid, but you never know.
graduates high school it will take a fortune to goIt is better to save too much than not
to college. While public colleges and universities areenough.You can simply use an online calculator to
reasonable for many families right now, the costdetermine how much you will have to save each
is expected to rise to over $100,000 in 18 yearsyear to reach your goal. Remember, interest is
from now. Want to send your child to that sameworking for you here, so it isn't as simple as
private school you attended? Be prepared for adividing the goal by the time you have to save.
tuition of close to a quarter of a million dollars.ButYou will find that the sooner you start, the less
if you start right now, you are going to be justyou put in.Keeping this in mind, a savings account
fine. Time is the biggest factor in saving a largeor money market account doesn't pay very good
amount of money. It can work for you if youinterest. Most advisors recommend that if you
start today. If you wait until you child is in highare starting early, you should be aggressive.
school, it will not be your best friend -- it will justStock funds out-perform other investments over
move too fast.I don't know where to begin, youthe long term. Remember, this is an investment
may be saying. So many parents aren't saving forthat requires your attention. Don't just put it
their children's education because they really don'tsomewhere and leave it. Pay attention to the
understand what they will be facing. Many expectperformance of the funds. As you get closer to
grandparents or other relatives to help out. Butyour child's high school graduation, start moving
they don't realize that 18 years is a long time andthe money into more conservative
a lot can happen.Start saving now. Every little bitinvestments.Many people want to know which is
counts. Remember that the early you start, themore important, saving for retirement or for a
less it will cost you. Interest works for you inchild's college education? You can do both. Make
many ways. Even a few dollars a week can endyour retirement your priority, but don't ignore the
up buying several classes later on.Start bysavings for your child. Parents that are disciplined
estimating what your child's education will cost. Atin saving money will teach a child a lot in life. Just
5% inflation, the average public university mayas the college experience will.Martin Lukac
cost around $24,000 a year in 18years. If yourepresents an Internet consumer banking
have older children, the cost in ten years will bemarketplace. is a destination site of personal
around $16,000 using the same calculations.Usefinance, investing, taxes and mortgage rates.
these numbers to get you motivated. And yes,provides mortgage guides and financial rates and
some of the education costs may be covered byinformation.