I still remember the moment it hit me. My daughter, Addie, was barely out of diapers, and yet the thought of paying for her college education seemed to sneak up on me out of nowhere. It wasn’t a conversation we were having at playdates, and no one at the pediatrician’s office mentioned it. But suddenly, as I looked at this tiny person, I realized that someday she’d be packing her bags for college, and we’d need to be ready.

Starting a college fund for your kids might feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the best financial decisions you can make for their future. I learned this firsthand, and along the way, I picked up a few strategies that can help other parents who are trying to figure out where to begin.

1. Start Early, Even If It’s Small

When my son Jameson was born, my wife and I opened a 529 savings plan for him almost immediately. At the time, we were dealing with the expenses of a newborn, so putting large sums away wasn’t realistic. We started with just $50 a month. It didn’t feel like much, but over time, those contributions grew with compound interest. The earlier you start, the longer your savings have to grow.

Story: I remember telling my friend about the fund one day, and she was surprised that we’d started so small. Fast forward five years, and when she saw how much had accumulated, she called me in a panic about opening her own 529 account for her kids. The takeaway? It’s not about how much you start with—just that you start.

2. Choose the Right Savings Vehicle

The 529 plan has been our go-to because of its tax advantages and flexibility. Any money we contribute grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses aren’t taxed either. But there are other options too, like a Coverdell ESA or a custodial account, each with its own perks. It’s important to choose the best fit based on your financial situation and long-term goals.

Story: One of my coaching clients, Sarah, had been using a regular savings account for her son’s college fund. Once we reviewed her situation, she switched to a 529, and the tax advantages alone made a noticeable difference. That simple change set her up for better growth without putting in any more money than she was already saving.

3. Involve Family Members

Birthdays and holidays can become opportunities for others to contribute to the fund. We started asking close family members, especially grandparents, to make contributions to the kids’ college savings plans in lieu of excessive toys. Sure, our kids love a good gift, but now we’re teaching them the value of education, and family members feel like they’re investing in their future rather than just buying another toy that will end up at the back of the closet.

Story: Christa’s parents initially didn’t love the idea of giving money instead of toys, but after seeing how their small contributions added up over the years, they became enthusiastic about it. Christa’s dad now jokes that instead of being remembered for the remote-controlled cars he used to buy, he’ll be remembered for helping to send them to college.

4. Automate Your Savings

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget to make regular contributions. One of the smartest moves we made was setting up automatic transfers to the kids’ college funds. Whether it’s monthly or quarterly, having a set amount go directly into the account ensures that we never skip a contribution—even during months when things are tight.

Story: There was a time when things were tight for us financially. Unexpected expenses came up, and we were juggling a lot. But because our contributions were automatic, we didn’t have to think about it. The money kept building, even when it was one of the last things on our minds.

5. Adjust Contributions Over Time

As our income has grown, so have our contributions. In the beginning, that $50 a month was all we could manage. But now, with Addie nearing high school, we’ve increased it significantly. What started as a small sacrifice has now turned into a sizable college fund. If we hadn’t adjusted those contributions, we wouldn’t be as prepared as we are today.

Story: One of my friends, Matt, started with modest contributions, but he was able to make a big change later on. When he got a promotion, he redirected a chunk of his raise toward his kids’ college funds. That’s how it goes with college savings—you start small, adjust when you can, and watch it grow.

6. Teach Your Kids About Money

As much as I want to set up my kids for success, I also want them to understand that college isn’t a free ride. We’ve had honest conversations about budgeting, student loans, and scholarships. Addie, for example, knows that while we’re contributing, she’ll need to apply for scholarships and work part-time if needed. Jameson, being a hockey referee, is already learning the value of earning money, and we’ve talked about how his job can help him save for the future.

Story: I remember the day Addie asked if college would cost a lot of money. I told her the truth: yes, it’s expensive, but we’re working hard to prepare for it. The more we have those conversations, the more they realize the importance of saving—and that it’s a team effort.

Final Thoughts

Starting a college fund doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin where you can, automate your savings, and involve family members along the way. The sooner you start, the better off your kids will be when they’re ready to take that big step toward college.

It’s never too early to start planning for your kids’ future. You’ll thank yourself later, and so will they.