Plan for College
529 plans, savings targets, and a framework to fund education without sacrificing your retirement.
College tuition has outpaced general inflation consistently for decades. A child born today faces estimated education costs of $150,000–$350,000 by graduation. A 529 plan started early can fund the majority of this through compound growth.
The most important rule: prioritize retirement over college savings. You can borrow for college; you cannot borrow for retirement. If your retirement savings are underfunded, fund them first. Once you're on track, direct surplus toward a 529. A modest monthly contribution started early beats a large contribution started late.
Action checklist
Work through the steps in order. Progress saves in this browser, without an account.
Build the foundation
Start here
You can borrow for college — you can't borrow for retirement.
Tool: Retirement PlannerA concrete target makes the monthly number real.
Tool: College PlannerTax-free growth for education — and earlier dollars compound more.
Fund it consistently
Monthly
Steady contributions beat lump-sum guesses.
Tool: Budget AnalyzerA plan beats hoping for financial aid.
Tool: College Readiness ScoreGift contributions grow tax-free alongside yours.
Adjust over time
As college nears
Protect the balance as enrollment approaches.
Costs and your savings both change.
Tool: College Planner
Tools to plan for college
Free calculators and assessments selected for this goal.
- 1College PlannerProject your 529 balance vs projected 4-year costs with gap analysis
- 2College Readiness ScoreScore your savings trajectory and financial aid awareness — with a personalized action plan
- 3Retirement PlannerConfirm you're on track for retirement before allocating to college savings
- 4Budget AnalyzerFind room in your budget for 529 contributions alongside other goals
Recommended reading
Have a specific question?
The AI Financial Tutor gives an educational answer to a finance question in about a minute. For example: “My child is 6 years old and I haven't started a 529 plan. How much should I save monthly, and should I prioritize this over maxing my 401(k)?”