It may take a village to raise the money to send you or your kid(s) college. Learn how the 529 Plan can help you fund college or trade school the way a Roth IRA can help you fund your retirement. You can open one whether you have kids or not, you can contribute to one even if you are not related to the person who opened it. Maybe you plan to go to college in a few years or may decide to switch careers because the writing is on the wall with your current one, you can start saving for those classes, whether at a trade school or traditional college now; and maybe even get a new computer while you're at it.  So whether you are heading off in 3 years or 13, starting now is what's important.  Savingforcollege.com and upromise.com are some outstanding resources to get you started!