College costs aren’t going down – and for families across Southeastern Wisconsin, fall is one of the best times to start saving. Between new school routines, the change in seasons, and year-end financial planning, this window is naturally built for forward-thinking moves like opening a 529 College Savings Plan or a Youth Savings Account (Like our Good Savers Account!)
Why fall specifically makes sense:
- Fresh school-year momentum. September is already filled with new schedules, sports sign-ups, and goal setting. Folding in a college savings plan while you’re in “planning mode” helps keep the habit going.
- Holiday contributions. Grandparents and relatives often ask what kids need for the holidays. Suggesting a contribution to a college fund-or even a youth savings account-is a gift that keeps paying dividends long after the toys are forgotten.
- Financial aid awareness. High school seniors across Wisconsin begin filing the FAFSA in the fall. Even if your student is younger, it’s a reminder that tuition day comes faster than we think.
Practical tips:
Consider automatic transfers every pay period. Even $25 every two weeks can grow into thousands by graduation.
Explore state-specific tax advantages. Wisconsin residents can deduct contributions to a 529 plan on state income taxes, lowering today’s tax bill while saving for tomorrow.
Pair a youth account with school routines. When your child earns allowance for chores or babysitting, deposit part of it and show them how interest works.
Ready to start? Explore our Savings Accounts and see which option fits your family.
A few ways to keep it practical:
Budget around semesters, not months. Sit down before classes start and look at tuition, housing, books, and meal plans as one big number. Break it down so they see how spending in September affects what’s left in November.
Talk credit, not just cash. Many students get their first credit card offers at 18. Explain how credit scores work, why paying in full matters, and how one missed payment can linger for years.
Share your “oops” stories. Whether it was over drafting in college or taking out too many loans, letting them hear what you wish you had done differently makes the lesson real (and less like a lecture).
Set “fun money” expectations. Agree on what you’ll cover (tuition, housing, maybe groceries) and what’s on them (coffee runs, football tickets, late-night pizza). It prevents resentment later.
Encourage part-time work with boundaries. A campus job or tutoring gig teaches responsibility and money management but remind them grades come first.
Use tech to stay connected. Apps like Venmo or your bank’s mobile transfer tool make it easy to send emergency funds-but pair that with a quick budget check-in, so “emergency” doesn’t become “weekly.”
Between new school routines, the change in seasons, and year-end financial planning, this window is naturally built for forward-thinking moves like opening a 529 College Savings Plan or a Youth Savings Account (Like our Good Savers Account!)
