Investing for a child's education

Investing for a child's future college expenses may be one of your top financial goals, but planning can be a challenge. These resources can help.

Keep in mind:

Assess your timeline and needs
Estimate the projected college costs
Decide on the percentage you want to pay
Establish a goal so you can measure your progress

See the checklist

Browse resources

Read

Getting started with FAFSA

What you need to know before you fill out the financial aid form.

Planning for the costs of higher education

Through regular saving and investing, you can help a child realize his or her goals.

5 hidden benefits of college savings plans

A 529 college savings plan may offer surprising financial flexibility.

Paying for college infographic

Many families rely on a number of sources to help pay for college. See how they typically do it.

Explore

College Planning Calculator

Estimate the costs of a college education and the monthly savings needed to pursue your goal.

529 Plan State Tax Calculator

This tool will help you consider a variety of tax-related issues when choosing a 529 college savings plan.

Savings plans and accounts

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Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

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Asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

This material is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. Additional information is available in our Client Relationship Summary (PDF).

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as "MLPF&S" or "Merrill") makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp."). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member Securities Investor Protection (SIPC) popup and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp").

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