Helping a Family Member Save for College

Here's how to set up a custodial account or 529 college-savings plan for a niece, nephew or other relative.

Head Off a Tax Penalty

As long as you pay 100% of last year's tax bill, you'll avoid an underpayment penalty.

529 Funds for College Expenses -- Not College Debt

You can't use money in a college-savings account to pay off student loans.

Invest in Your State's -- or Another's -- 529 Plan?

It depends on whether you get an income-tax deduction for your contribution.

College-Savings Plans Cut Fees

Savers benefit from lower expenses and more choices.

The 12 Best Ask Kims of the Year

Kimberly Lankford picks her favorite columns of 2010.

Give the Gift of a 529 Plan Contribution

Grandparents may be able to get a tax deduction if they help fund their grandchild's college-savings account.

Great Advice From Around the Web

A weekly look at personal finance tips and insights others are offering.

Best of Everything 2010: Best Credit and Savings Deals

Best Credit and Savings Deals

Save and make more money with the best credit card and bank accounts for you.

Get a Break on College Costs

Even if your child is already in school, you can reap big state-tax benefits by feeding a 529 plan.

Tax-Friendly 529 Plans for Last-Minute Contributors

How to Tap College Savings

If you want to take advantage of the American Opportunity tax credit this year, you can't use 529 plan money to pay all the college tuition bills.

The Top College Savings Plans

Use our state-by-state guide to 529 plans to choose the right one for your student.

Kiplinger's 529 Picks, State by State

Tax Savings for Young Families

Take advantage of your flex account, save for college in a 529 plan and hire your children to lower your tax bill.

Pay off a Mortgage or Save for College?

Owning their home free and clear would give this family more cash to cover tuition expenses.

5 Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund

Use the influx of cash to improve your financial situation.

Best Ways to Invest After Maxing Out Retirement Accounts

These committed savers ask how best to invest after they've fully funded their tax-deferred accounts.

The Year in Review

Kim Lankford reflects on the questions she received -- and advice she gave -- throughout 2009.

Buy a Computer with College Money

You can tap a 529-saving plan to pay for hardware, software and Internet service.

Better Ways to Spend
Your Holiday-Gift Budget

You and your significant other could agree not to give each other presents and use the money to improve your finances instead.

2009 Best List: College

Smart choices for your tuition dollars.

Broker Fee Fiasco

Kimberly Lankford tackles broker inactivity fees and saves one reader $430.

How You Can Use 529-Plan Money

Funds from a college-savings account can cover tuition, fees, books and some lesser-known expenses.

Best 529 College-Savings Plans

See our top five picks, then use our state-by-state guide to pick the best plan for you.