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The Best Ways to Start Saving for Your Child's College

Finance | 03/10/2022 23:00
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College has never been more expensive, and never felt so financially unattainable. As of early 2022, the average college graduate had $39,351 in student loan debt, growing by over $5,000 in just two years. In the United States, the total student loan debt is about $1.75 trillion. It’s overwhelming to think about how these costs may continue to climb in the future.


If you are a parent, it can be scary to think about how you will help your child afford it. But preparing early and doing your research can pay off tremendously when it comes to creating a college fund. So today we are talking about what you can do to start saving money for your kids’ education. 


Here are our top five tips to start saving for college.


Start as early as possible.

It is incredibly important to start saving early. The earlier you start, the more time your money will have to work for you, allowing you to grow your college fund as much as possible. Plus, if any of the college funds you select have a yearly maximum contribution, it will give you more time to add to the fund.


Determine how much you should save.

When you create a budget, it’s always a good idea to have a solid number goal in mind. But how can you even begin to estimate how much money you will need to save? 

You must take into account what state you live in, what college your child is thinking of attending, and what the living expenses might be. This helpful online calculator can help give you an idea of how much money you should plan on saving. 


Choose a college savings plan.

There are a lot of options out there for college savings plans. Look around at all the pros and cons to determine what will work best for you. 


Education Savings Account (ESA) or Education IRA

These accounts are very similar to a Roth IRA, but they are intended for education. With these accounts, you can invest up to $2000 per year, tax free. They have a much higher rate of return than a regular savings account, and although the amount you can contribute is capped, it can still add up to a sizable college fund. At a rate of return of 12%, if you started investing when your child was born you could save over $125,000 by the time they go off to college. Note that there are income limits for these types of accounts. 


These accounts can be used to pay for any education-related expenses, including tuition, vocational schools, and textbooks. The money must be used by the time the beneficiary turns 30.


529 Plan

529 plans are often state sponsored, and can be used for future education. These plans vary greatly from state to state, but generally there aren’t any income restrictions and you can invest up to $300,000 per year. You want to make sure that you have a flexible plan that will allow you to stay in control of how the money is invested. Some of the 529 programs will freeze or automatically adjust your investments, which is not ideal, so be sure you understand what type of 529 you are opening.


These accounts can also be used to pay for any education-related expenses, including tuition, vocational schools, and textbooks. 


UTMA or UGMA (Uniform Transfer/Gift to Minors Act)

This type of account is not education specific. Insead, you are essentially opening a mutual fund that will transfer to your child when they turn either 18 or 21. It’s a great option to save, but the money can be used for anything when your child receives it, whether it’s for tuition or that shiny sports car they’ve always wanted.


Savings Bonds

Investing in savings bonds is a very low risk option for college savings. But with such low risk, there is also low reward. You will earn more than in a traditional savings account, but not that much more. Right now fixed rate bonds earn about .1% annually. 


Plan your budget and look for ways you can contribute more.

Once you’ve figured out how much you want to save and what type of fund (or funds) you will start, now it’s time to make it a reality. For an in-depth look at creating and maintaining a budget, check out our post here


Creating a budget doesn’t have to be super complicated. Just follow our simple steps below to get started:

  1. Determine your income. Calculate your take home pay (your pay minus any taxes and deductions). Add in any additional income you may have (property rentals, dividends, tips, etc.) This is your total income.

  2. Determine your expenses. Add up your fixed expenses, which are the expenses you have that do not change from month to month (rent, mortgage, cable bill, internet, subscription services, etc.) Then add up and average out your variable costs, which are expenses that do change from month to month (groceries, electricity, entertainment, etc.) These are your total expenses.

  3. Compare. Look at the differences between your income and your expenses. How much of a gap is there? Are you saving every month or are you losing money every month?

  4. Look for more ways to save. Looking at your budget can help you see where you have wiggle room to trim some fat. Some common ways to free up some money every month include:

  • Canceling unused subscriptions.

  • Cutting back on dining out and entertainment.

  • Buying generic brands at the grocery store.

  • Refinancing your car loan (refinancing your car loan to a lower rate can loosen a lot of money every month and make a big difference in your budget).


Extra money that you save every month can be allocated to your college fund. You know how much money you want to save, so use that number to determine how much you should be saving every month or every paycheck.

Note: Saving for college is important, but don’t neglect your other responsibilities. Don’t shirk paying off your debts or building an emergency fund: instead try to divide up your extra money every month and do what makes sense for your situation. A healthy budget is about balance.


Encourage your kids to be proactive

Of course we want to help our kids as much as possible to get a good head start for the future. But it is their future and their education, so it’s important to encourage them to take an active role in saving for college and investing. Here are some things that your kids can do to help fund their education. 


Open a Savings Account

Teaching kids early about saving is tremendously beneficial. Help them open a savings account so they can start saving at a young age.


Get a Job

Whether it's a part time job at night or on weekends, or a summer job, encourage them to start working as soon as they are able. Not only will it help them save some money and get some real world experience, it will also be a nice addition to their resume.


Apply for Scholarships

There’s money out there for students, you just have to look for it. There are a ton of resources online and through your child’s school that will help them find scholarships for which they may be eligible. Even small scholarships can add up quickly.


Apply for Aid

Your child should apply for federal aid when they are applying to college. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, helps colleges determine how much money they can offer your child. This may be in the form of scholarships, state aid, school aid, student loans, or work study. Read carefully to make sure they are not just student loans, which may or may not be beneficial for your child.


Take AP classes

If your child  scores high on your AP classes, they can get college credit. And those are credits that they would normally be required to take (and pay for) at college. Take advantage of these classes in high school and make sure the colleges they are applying to take AP credits. They can easily save thousands of dollars (and possibly skip a semester) if they are proactive with their AP courses.


Those are our top tips to start saving for college.

Being proactive and starting to save for college can be very overwhelming, but we hope this helps you get started. A little investment early on can go a long way and pay off tremendously.

If you are looking for more ways to save, consider refinancing your car loan with Auto Approve. Market rates are still low and you may qualify for a lower car loan APR, which can save you lots of money every month (money that could go straight into that college fund!) If you are thinking about refinancing your car loan, don’t wait!

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More Resources

When Should I Refinance A Vehicle?

When should I refinance my vehicle?It’s a common question, and there’s no definitive, one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, it depends on you.The refinancing process can lower your monthly payments and help you get out of debt faster. But should you refinance your vehicle right now? If you're thinking about it, here are some things to consider:Is your auto loan term nearing its end?Are you struggling with high monthly payments?Have interest rates gone down?Has your credit score gone up?Do you want a lower interest rate?If the answer to any of these questions is yes, now may be the best time to refinance your vehicle. Let’s take a closer look.Here’s How You Know When to Refinance Your VehicleConsider these factors to decide when to refinance your car loan.Your Existing LoanWhere and when you got your existing loan – and the details of that loan – are all among the deciding factors in whether you’ll be able to find a better deal. It’s worth noting that, if you got your loan through dealership financing, the odds are very good you could save money by refinancing, as dealerships often add mark ups to their rates.When thinking about whether or not to refinance your car loan, it is important to know the current interest rate and term of your loan. You should consider the amount of time left on your loan and any prepayment penalties.Prepayment penaltiesPrepayment penalties are fees your lender charges you for paying off the loan before it is due. Watch out! Some lenders will not refinance loans that have prepayment penalties attached. That said, even if your current loan has a penalty attached, it may still be worth it for you to refinance. In some cases, you may be able to save more by refinancing than the cost of the penalty. This is especially true if you got a particularly bad rate on your existing loan (which frequently happens when you buy a new car directly from the dealer). Time remainingIf you have several years left on your current auto loan at an unfavorable rate or your existing loan has high fees, refinancing may be the right decision. After all, refinancing your car loan can be a great way to save money on interest and get lower monthly payments.If you refinance your loan to a longer term, you’ll likely be able to lower your monthly payments – but you could end up paying more in interest. On the flip side, if you can refinance at a lower interest rate and at a similar or even shorter loan term, you’ll be able to save money in the long run. (That’s one of the things that makes refinancing so great!)Your Credit ScoreYour credit history is one of the biggest factors in being able to refinance with most lenders. If you have good enough credit, then refinancing your car could save you money.Refinancing can be a great option if you have improved your credit and want lower monthly payments or to get a longer term on your loan. Better credit can also qualify you for a lower rate than you initially received so that you can pay less overall, regardless of whether or not you want a lower monthly payment.The only thing worth noting when it comes to your credit score is that you’ll want to avoid refinancing multiple times, as doing so could hurt your score, and rates usually go up with each refinance. Your Cash FlowMany people are looking for ways to reel in their budgets. If your income has gone down or you want more money in your pocket for added expenses, refinancing your auto loan could make sense for you. Doing so can lower your monthly payments and help save some cash, without having to change or get rid of your vehicle.Refinancing offers tons of potential savings and can be helpful for people who have limited cash flow. For example, if you’re unemployed and need money in your pocket right away, refinancing can lower your monthly payments and even give you the option to take a few months off from making a payment.Before refinancing your car loan, make sure you refinance for the best possible price. Shop around and compare offers before signing any paperwork to make sure you’re saving as much as possible. Unlike the competition, at Auto Approve, we never mark up the rate the bank offers you, so we pass maximum savings on to you. Eligibility For A New LoanHere’s a good question: What makes you eligible to refinance your car? Well, it varies based on the lender, but eligibility can depend on: how old your car ishow many miles you have on ithow much money is left on your loanand other factors If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible to refinance, don’t worry – we can help! Talk to one of our knowledgeable and friendly Auto Approve agents or use our handy online quote form to find out if your vehicle loan qualifies and how much you might be able to save in a jiffy.Interest RatesWith all that out of the way, one of the most important factors you should consider when deciding when you should refinance your car is the broader picture of interest rates.When it comes to interest rates, things have been all over the place in the past several years, with big fluctuations in vehicle prices and rates. Depending on when exactly you financed your vehicle, average rates may be lower or higher now, and your loan-to-value ratio may have shifted..With that in mind, if you’re eligible, it may be a great time to refinance your automobile right now – the only way to know for sure is to check.So, When Should You Refinance a Vehicle?When everything aligns! Many things go into making the decision to refinance your loan, but this article should help you know better what to look for. For many people refinancing can help you save money monthly and pay less over the life of the loan. The good news is, getting a free quote is easy! There’s no commitment or credit check to find out what rates you might be eligible for, and when you decide to refinance, an AutoApprove agent will help make sure you find the best deal for you and then do the paperwork for you, making refinancing quick and easy. So, whether you’re on the fence or ready to dive into refinancing, get your free quote now.

Top 4 Ways to Get a Lower Monthly Car Payment in 2025

How can you get a lower monthly car payment?When money is tight, or you're hoping to make a big purchase, every penny counts. Whether you're trying to save up for something big, looking to put more money where it matters, or cutting back in leaner times, lowering your expenses can help.That means, when you're going through your budget, you may want to figure out where you can save a few dollars. For many people, a car payment is one of the bigger bills they pay each month. If that's the case for you, lowering your car payment could be the answer to your financial challenges.Whether you need a temporary fix or a long term solution, there are tons of great options out there to help you secure a lower monthly car payment.Here are the four best ways to get a lower monthly car payment1. Talk to your lenderLenders are in the business of making money, and they only make money when you make your payments. You may be surprised to learn that many lenders are willing to work with borrowers to help them manage their payments more effectively.They may allow you to skip a payment or lower your payments temporarily. Keep in mind that interest will still accrue during this time, but it is always better to defer and have this accumulate than to have missed payments. Missed payments can trigger late fees and hurt your credit score. You want to avoid the negative credit impacts that will occur without deferment.That said, not all lenders are magnanimous, and they'll rarely want to cut a deal that doesn't benefit them in the end, so while you may be able to skip a payment or lower your monthly cost, you may end up paying more interest in the long run if you go this route.2. Refinance your carRefinancing can lower your monthly car payments in a number of ways and is likely to be your best option to effectively and sustainably reduce your monthly payments. Since refinancing benefits both you and your new lender, it's a win-win – they don't need to make more money than your current lender, so you're more likely to get a deal that'll cost you less overall. Here's how.You can get a lower interest rateOne of the main benefits of refinancing is securing a lower APR. There are several reasons you might be able to get a better interest rate this time around.You didn’t get a good deal on your original loan. If you went in to look for a car and got talked into dealership financing, there's a good chance you got stuck with a higher-than-necessary APR. In this case, refinancing is likely to lower your APR significantly and cut your payments drastically.Interest rates have dropped. Interest rates fluctuate based on how the economy is performing. If you bought your car while rates were high, there’s a good chance you are eligible for a lower APR if you refinance.Your credit score has improved. If your credit has improved since you first bought your car, you are probably eligible for a much lower rate. Your credit score is the most important portion of your application, and an improvement in credit can yield a drastically better interest rate.You can lengthen your repayment periodEven if you are not eligible for a lower interest rate, refinancing can still reduce your monthly payments by changing your repayment schedule. If you lengthen your repayment period (for example, from 36 months to 48 months) your balance will be paid over a longer period of time and your payments will be lower. Keep in mind you will be paying more interest overall, as you will pay interest for 48 months instead of 36 months, but it will drastically reduce your monthly payments.You can add a co-borrowerWhen you refinance, you can add a co-signer to your loan and possibly reduce your interest rate and secure better terms. If your co-borrower has good credit, they will be eligible for a better interest rate. If refinancing sounds like a good option for you, Auto Approve can streamline this process and help you start saving money today. We work as your advocates to get you the best rates possible, then do the paperwork for you..Want to know more about Auto Approve? Click here to find out why Auto Approve is the best way to refinance your auto loan.3. Sell Your CarIf you need a more permanent solution than talking with your lender will provide, and refinancing isn’t an option, you might need to consider a new set of wheels. You can either trade in your car to a dealership or sell the car on your own.Almost all dealerships will accept trade-ins and can put you in a car that will have lower monthly payments. Make sure you talk to the dealership and are upfront about what you can and cannot afford. You can also choose to sell the car privately. This is a bit more work than going to a dealership, but you will probably get more money for your car. If you want to sell your car on your own, be sure to clean your car very well, get good pictures, and make sure maintenance records are up to date. You want to make your car as attractive as possible to increase the amount of money you can make.Whether you sell to a dealership or to a private buyer, be sure to know three things before starting this process:How much you owe. Know how much money is left on your loan balance, and how much you need to sell the car for in order to break even.How much your car is worth. Go to Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to look up the value of your car. It might be worth more than you think and you don’t want to lose out on money that could be yours.What you’ll do for transportation next. If you plan to replace your current vehicle with a less expensive one, make sure you take time to look at the market and find vehicle options that’ll fit your needs before giving up your car. Vehicle prices have fluctuated drastically over the past 5-10 years and are likely to shift again with changing car tariffs. If you won’t be replacing your vehicle, have a backup plan for how you’ll get around and test it out for a week before making the change.4. Lease a Car InsteadIf you have sold your car but still need to get around, getting a lease instead of purchasing a new car might be a good option. Leases are generally cheaper than buying a new car, as you are only paying for the depreciation that accrues during your use. There are three main leases you can pursue:New Car Lease – This is the most common type of lease and is widely available. You typically need pretty good credit and a down payment to secure a new car lease.Used Car Lease – These are not as common as new leases but they are out there if you do your research. The APR might be a bit higher, but since the car is not worth as much you might have lower payments than if you got a new car lease.Lease Takeover – This occurs when someone wants to get out of their existing lease for one reason or another. Websites like LeaseTrader.com and SwapALease.com provide a space for you to shop around for a lease takeover. Some people who are desperate to get out of their existing leases may even offer cash incentives, making this a good option if money is particularly tight. You will still need to go through an application and credit check, but you can probably secure a nicer car for a lower rate than if you were to get a new car lease.And those are our top tips for lowering your monthly car payment!In times of economic uncertainty, budgeting and saving money is incredibly important. If you are struggling to make ends meet every month, consider one of the options above.And if refinancing seems like the right option for you, or you want to find out just how much refinancing could lower your monthly payment, Auto Approve is here for you. All it takes is a few clicks and to get a quote and get on your way to more money in your pocket and less on your vehicle payments.GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Vehicle Safety in A Heat Wave

Do you know how to drive safely in a heat wave?The dog days of summer are arriving across the United States, and as it gets hotter, our vehicles do too. Just like driving in wintry conditions, driving in extreme heat poses its own unique set of challenges. From dead batteries to tire blowouts to soft tarmac, there’s a lot to be on the lookout for when the thermometer hits a record high.That’s why now is a good time to refresh your knowledge of when you need to worry about car safety in high temperatures, what to look out for, and how to keep yourself safe.Let’s start with the basics.FAQs: Summer Car SafetyTo lay a little groundwork and make sure we're all on the same page, let’s take a look at these frequently asked questions about driving in inclement heat.Is it safe to drive in a heat wave?Yes, broadly it is safe to get on the road in a heat wave, as long as you are prepared and understand the risks. We’ll dive into the details in the next section, but you should: avoid long drivesplan to stop frequentlyhave an emergency kit in your car in case anything goes wrong, and keep a close eye on your engine temperatureHowever, if you follow all the tips in the guide, there is no reason you can’t drive in hot weather by exercising caution and good sense.What temperature is too hot to drive a car?There is no single temperature at which it becomes definitively unsafe to turn on a car, but avoiding driving in unusually high heat is generally good practice, if you have the option. The outside temperature is less important than your engine temperature and the temperature inside your car. If your engine reaches over 220° F, the various fluids that allow your car to run could start burning up – this is where things start to get dangerous. Similarly, the human body needs certain conditions to function properly. Depending on the humidity, temperatures can become dangerous between 95 and 130° F – but you don’t want to risk being at the top of what your body can handle for any length of time. That means, if your car doesn’t have good cooling or if it’s hot enough that you can’t use the AC because your engine is in trouble, you want to avoid being in the car for any length of time. Instead, try to drive early or late in the day when temperatures are lower and keep your car cool.How do you protect your car in 100 degree weather?The best things you can do are park in the shade (or out of the sun), use a sunshade to keep the sun from heating up your car’s interior (or consider getting a car cover if you live somewhere likely to get many days of extreme heat and don’t have a garage at home), and make sure you get your car fully checked over ahead of extreme heat weather to ensure you have enough coolant and fluids, your tire pressure isn’t too high or low, your air conditioner is running smoothly, and your battery’s in good shape. A fresh wax and an oil change can also help protect your vehicle from deteriorating due to extreme heat.Want a little extra wiggle room in your budget for heat-proofing your vehicle?Put more money back in your wallet by refinancing your vehicle. Most people are eligible for a lower rate than they’re paying. That means paying less monthly and over the life of your loan.With Auto Approve, you can get a quote in just a few minutes, no commitment required. And if you like what you see, we do the paperwork for you.Get a free quote to see how much you could save.Safety Tips For Driving in a Heat WaveLet’s get into the nitty-gritty of car safety in extreme heat. When driving in very hot temperatures, you should…1. Keep an Eye on Your Vehicle’s Fluids, Engine Heat & Tire PressureThe most dangerous thing that can happen when temperatures get too high is your vehicle overheating – your battery, tires, and engine are at highest risk of this, and anything with a fluid can have issues if your vehicle’s systems get too hot.In an emergency situation, especially if you see steam or smoke coming out of any part of the vehicle, pull over right away.If you’re concerned or if your vehicle’s engine heat warning light comes on, turn your heat on until you can find a place to pull over. It might feel counterintuitive, but will pull heat away from your engine.You can and should have your vehicle checked ahead of the hottest part of the summer to ensure all the systems and fluids are in top working order to avoid any issues.Avoiding long drives in the hottest part of the day can also help you keep any part of your car from reaching dangerous temperatures. Ideally, you don’t want to drive more than two hours at a time on days with extreme heat. Think of it like driving in a snowstorm – just because it’s not visibly coming down on you, it’s no less dangerous to be on the road in high heat.2. Carry Water & Emergency SuppliesAn emergency kit is a must for every car, and having one tailored to the heat for summer is essential in a heat wave. There are pre-made kits for heat exhaustion and high temperatures, or you can put together your own.Your kit should always, year-round, include car safety kit essentials like:Jumper cablesTire repair & replacement kitSpare tireFirst aid kitPaper mapLight, non-perishable snacks and drinksFlares or reflective triangles Spare phone chargerIn the summer, you want to think about the unique challenges of a hot sunny day and add items to help prepare for that, like:SunscreenHatBug sprayLightweight blankets or other materials to protect you from the sunReflective sunshade for your windshieldMisting fan, cooling towels, cold compress, or cooling patchesA thermometer in case of heat exhaustionAlways, always, pack lots of water and electrolyte fluids or powders to avoid dehydration.And remember – never leave a pet or child alone in a hot car.3. Park SmartA simple but effective way to keep yourself and your car at a reasonable temperature is to avoid parking in the sun. Take any chance you can to park in the shade, in a garage, or in a covered parking lot – when you start with a lower car temperature, it’s easier to maintain.We’ve mentioned a sunshade a couple times in this guide, but here’s one more plug to pick one up – they can be an effective way to keep the interior of your car cool, and there are relatively inexpensive universal and model-specific models that fold up neatly into the back of your car. Car covers can be more of a hassle to get on and off, but can be a big help if you don’t have a better parking option and will regularly need to park your vehicle in the sun during hot days.4. Avoid The Hottest Parts of the DayIf you must drive during a heat wave, driving in the morning or evening when the air is a few degrees cooler is a smart move. Try not to run errands at high noon if they’re something you could do at night instead. And, again, if you must be on the road in the heat, make the trips short and stop frequently. Plan smart. Summer’s not the best time to take a road trip through the Mojave desert (but a great time for a road trip up the Northeast coast!). 5. Keep An Eye on The RoadOne final danger to think about is the road during very high heat days. When temperatures rise, tarmac can soften, potholes can open up, and other drivers can be more prone to overheating and vehicular issues. Make sure that, even on familiar roads, you’re paying attention to the terrain and the cars around you to keep yourself safe.As the driver of your vehicle, you are an essential part of everything working correctly. Being too hot or dehydrated can lead to confusion, illness, and exhaustion, so make sure you take care of yourself as well as the car.Now You Know How To Take Care of Your Car In SummerExtreme heat has become a staple of summers in the US. Make sure you’re ready for anything the next time a heat wave hits.Remember these key points:Use every tool you can to keep your car cool when you’re not drivingAvoid the hottest part of the day and long driving stintsCarry emergency supplies, and especially waterGet your vehicle fully checked to avoid the worstPull over as soon as possible if you see steam, smoke, or an engine heat warning lightRemember that heat affects the road and other drivers as well as you and your vehicleTake care of yourself and avoid unnecessary risksFollow these tips to keep your vehicle in tip top shape on even the hottest days and you should be able to drive smart and safe all summer long.And one more tip? Refinance with Auto Approve and save on your monthly auto loan payment!Summer means high heat, but it also means vacation and fun in the sun. Refinance to put more of your money back in your wallet for the things that matter most to you.Thanks to dealership markups, most people are paying a higher rate than they need to be on their vehicle loan. Refinancing can help you secure the best rate you’re eligible for. When you get a free quote from Auto Approve, one of our representatives will work with you to find the deal that makes the most sense for you – then do the paperwork for you, making refinancing simple.Get your free quote now.
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*APR and Fees Disclosure: Auto Approve works to find you the best Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which is based on factors like your credit history, vehicle and desired payment terms. Fees to complete your loan refinance vary by state and lender; they generally include admin fees, doc fees, DMV and title. Advertised 5.49% APR based on: 2019 model year or newer vehicle, 730 minimum FICO credit score, and loan term up to 72 months. All loans subject to credit and lender approval.
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