Investments for Education

If you have children or grandchildren, you no doubt have at least thought about how you were going to pay for their education. With private school and college costs rising at an alarming rate, worrying about the kids' education is probably a more accurate description of what you're doing. To see all the latest on the costs of college as well as the past and future trends, take a look at the college costs information at collegeboard.com.

How much is college going to cost you? Whether your little darling is still in diapers or already driving, you can use this calculator to figure out the approximate cost of college for your child.

Financial Calculators Saving for your children's education requires a long-term plan. And, like saving for retirement, the earlier you start your plan, the better. Use this College Savings Plan Calculator to help you develop or fine-tune your education savings plan. Click the "View Report" button for a detailed look at the results.

Besides developing their athletic skills so they get that all-expenses-paid ride through college, we recommend that you take time to consider the following investment and financial strategies and whether one or more could be a good fit for your family:

• Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): An account specifically created for investing for educational expenses.
• State Savings Plans: State-sponsored educational investment accounts and prepaid tuition plans.
• Education Savings Bonds: A description of the education savings bond program.
• College Certificates of Deposit: Using College CDs to invest for education.
• Educational Investing and Financial Aid. When investing can hurt your chances of receiving financial aid for educational expenses.
• Education Tax Breaks: Tax deductions and credits you can use for educational expenses.
• Tips For Lowering Education Costs: Information that can help you make the most of your education dollars.

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