What should be on my college funding checklist 18 months out?

With about a year and a half to go, you have time to optimize rather than scramble. First, run each target school's net price calculator so you know likely real costs, not sticker prices. Second, total your 529 and other earmarked savings and project the gap. Third, review where assets sit – money in the student's name is assessed harder, so consider how accounts are titled before the FAFSA tax year locks in. Fourth, map the FAFSA and CSS Profile timeline and each school's priority deadlines. Fifth, build a scholarship list and have your student start essays early. Sixth, decide your borrowing comfort level in advance so emotion doesn't drive it later. Finally, make sure college spending isn't crowding out retirement. A full readiness check is at wealthserene.com/assessments/college-readiness.