With the ever-rising cost of education and the never-ending news stories about the horrors of student loans, more parents are eager to start building a college fund for their kids. It's never too late to begin, but the earlier you use software for financial planning to develop a savings plan, the better.

Fortunately, there are many ways to be proactive about college savings while setting your child up for success.

Open a Tax-Advantaged Savings Account

One of the best things you can do is open an account that can grow over time. You have several options. One is to open a 529 account. 529 accounts are purpose-built for educational expenses. Your child's funds grow tax-free, and several states allow you to deduct contributions.

Some parents use a Roth IRA. While it's typically for retirement savings, a Roth IRA also provides tax-free earnings. There are some logistics if you choose this route, but an expert and software for financial planning can help you cross those hurdles and start saving.

Open a High-Yield Savings Account

Parents who want a low-maintenance option can turn to high-yield savings accounts. These accounts operate like any other savings account, but they're interest-bearing. Over a decade or more can result in substantial earnings. Best of all, you don't have major restrictions like those with 529 accounts or Roth IRAs.

There's no shortage of high-yield savings account options, and some banks have interest rates as high as five percent.

Build Your Savings Into Your Budget

Developing a plan is easy. But sticking to it can be more challenging than you think. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be a high earner to start saving. Every little bit counts and strategic planning can help you build a generous college fund for your child.

The key is to treat your savings like any other expense. Contribute often and be consistent about saving. Treat those contributions as another line item in your budget to ensure you're putting money away regularly and growing the fund as much as possible.

Author Resource:-

Emily Clarke writes about RIA and wealth management for financial advisors and more. You can find her thoughts at financial planning blog.