Rising tuition costs make college planning more important than ever. Explore practical strategies, from school choice and savings plans to scholarships and part-time work, that can help your family fund higher education without overwhelming debt.

The Illinois First Steps Program provides a one-time $50 contribution to help start a 529 College Savings Plan for children living in Illinois. While small, it’s designed to encourage families to begin saving early, and regular contributions over time can grow into a significant college fund.

A 529 plan is a powerful way to save for your child’s education, from K-12 to college. These tax-advantaged accounts grow over time, and recent rules allow unused funds to roll into a Roth IRA, giving families added flexibility for long-term financial planning. Learn how 529 plans can work for your family’s goals.