Teach your children to save for college Being part of the
college planning process can be very educational for children,
as it presents them with valuable financial lessons for the
future. Children can earn money, learn about sources of
financial aid, research potential colleges, and take other steps
that may relieve their parents of some of the responsibility of
college planning. Get an Early Start Most children don't make
plans for their higher education until they are well into high
school, but the foundation for saving and planning for college
can take place much earlier. Many financial experts believe the
best time to introduce children to college planning is when they
are in the sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. During this time,
you may want to initiate discussions about college and explain
the importance of developing good study habits and getting
involved in extracurricular activities– to instill the idea that
your family supports higher education. You may also want to
encourage your children to begin