Paying for higher education is overwhelming, complicated, and frustrating.
Developed from more than two decades of experience in the higher education financial aid space, these tips may make paying for college more bearable.
- Start Saving Early. Higher education is expensive! Start saving early to reduce the pressure in later years. Ideally, begin saving when your child is born, even if it’s a small amount. Saving $42 a month adds up to over $500 a year, which adds up to more than $9,000 after 18 years. If you save in a high-interest savings account, you can also earn money on your savings.
- Discuss Education Goals Early. Talk to your child at a young age about their career aspirations and the education required. Will they need to attend a four-year college, a two-year college, a trade school, or a culinary school? Do they want to stay close to home or move across the country? These conversations help you determine how much money you need to save and how much time you have to save it.
- Be Realistic About Your Budget. Be honest with yourself and your child about how much you can spend on their education. You don’t want to crush your child’s dreams, but you also don’t want to put your family in a financial situation from which you can’t recover. Discuss the cost of college with your child and be open about how much you can contribute and are willing to borrow for their education.
- Encourage Your Child to Contribute. Talk with your child about how they can contribute financially to their education. Can they get a job when they’re old enough? Perhaps their workplace offers a scholarship they can apply for during their senior year. What clubs and organizations are they part of, and do they offer scholarships?
By following these tips, you can make saving for your child’s education more manageable for your family.
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