How much should I actually save for my child's college education?

There's no universal number, but a common rule of thumb is to aim to cover roughly one-third of projected costs from savings, one-third from current income while they're enrolled, and one-third from financial aid, scholarships, or loans — you don't have to fund 100% yourself. Four years at an in-state public school currently runs around $100,000–$120,000 all-in; private schools can exceed $300,000, and those figures grow with tuition inflation. A practical target is saving $200–$500 a month per child from birth, adjusted to your budget. Don't sacrifice your own retirement to over-save here. Model your specific timeline, school type, and monthly contribution at wealthserene.com/tools/college-planner to set a realistic goal.