Save for College
Step by Step
 
Your Guide
Liz Pulliam Weston MSN Money columnist Liz Pulliam Weston answers reader questions in the Your Money message board.



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Investing for college
Saving for college requires knowledge about investment strategies. For hands-on guidance that will help you get off to a quick start, visit the Prepare to Invest Step-by-Step Guide.

College savings Q&A
Saving for College
Prepayment
Savings
Savings Bonds

Related Step By Steps
Select a College
Pay for College
Prepare to Invest
Invest in Funds
Invest in Stocks


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Step 1: Get started
Tuition, room and board for a four-year degree now costs an average of nearly $40,000 to $120,000 -- per child. To meet an obligation of that size, you need to start saving the day your child is born.

Understanding the true cost of college

Strategies to meet your college savings goal

Tuition Savings Calculator
Figure out how much it's going to cost your child to attend college and how much you'll need to save on a regular basis.

Portfolio Manager
Set up a portfolio in Investor for your scholar and then track your investments.

Step 2: Create a college fund
Whether it's zero-coupon bonds, savings bonds or a special trust fund, it's important to create a plan specifically for funding college.

How to set up your child's college fund

Small investments that yield big education dollars

5 cardinal rules of college gift-giving

The best way to save for college

Educational IRAs
1998 Tax Law Changes allow you to make contributions of up to $500 a year.

Step 3: Adjust your plan as college approaches
As your child grows, your investment portfolio should become more conservative to ensure the money will be there when you need it.

Investing for college
Need help planning for the cost of higher education? MSN Money's Advisor Finder helps you find a financial planner who's right for you.

An investment plan tied to your child's age

Tax-savvy ways to fund college education

Build your plan in Money
The newest version of Microsoft Money creates a complete financial plan to help you achieve your long-term goals, such as retirement, financing college, or buying a home. The plan automatically updates when changes are made to your finances, so it's always current and accurate. Download a free trial.



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