Whether you're getting your little one ready for kindergarten, helping a teenager plan for college, or heading back to school yourself, one thing’s for sure—education is an investment. And like any investment, it’s worth planning for.
At AdelFi, we believe that saving for school isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about preparing with purpose, living out your values, and equipping yourself (or your kids) to grow in knowledge and faith. When we approach school planning as an act of stewardship, we’re not just looking ahead—we’re trusting God with the journey.
1. Create a Separate Savings Space
One of the easiest ways to stay on track is to keep your school savings in a separate account. It could be for tuition, books, laptops, uniforms—whatever you’ll need. Separating it from your everyday spending helps you stay focused and avoid dipping into it accidentally.
If you're not sure what kind of account makes the most sense, start by thinking through your goals and timeline. Some types of savings accounts work better for short-term access, while others are ideal for growing funds over time. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you sort through the options.
2. Think Long-Term (If It Applies)
If you’re saving for future college expenses—or even private K–12 tuition—it might be worth looking into a 529 plan. These education-specific accounts come with tax perks when used to qualify for costs.
And if your timeline is a little shorter, or you want to set aside funds in a way that earns a bit more than a basic savings account, some people also look into certificates. They’re simple, low-risk, and can help you grow your savings with a little more purpose.
3. Bring Your Kids into the Process
Saving for school can be a great opportunity to teach kids (or teens) a thing or two about money. Even if they’re only saving a few dollars at a time, giving them ownership over part of the process builds confidence and teaches responsibility.
Have them help with goal setting, track progress together, or use a student savings account to make it feel more real. You might even find a budgeting app they enjoy using to stay organized and motivated.
4. Set Small, Reachable Goals
Instead of trying to save one big lump sum all at once, break things into manageable chunks. Maybe aim to cover next semester’s books by the end of the year, or build up a tech fund for a new laptop over the summer.
Setting mini-milestones makes the process less overwhelming—and celebrating progress along the way keeps the momentum going.
5. Stay Flexible—Plans Change
Life rarely follows a straight path. As your school plans or finances shift, it’s wise to revisit your savings strategy and adjust with prayer and discernment. Flexibility isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a mark of faithful stewardship and trust in God’s guidance.
If you’re approaching graduation or stepping into a new season, preparing for life after college can help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and faith.
Making the Right Choice with Student Choice
Education expenses can sneak up on you—but with a little planning, they don’t have to be a source of stress. Start saving early, stay flexible, and lean into the values that guide your decisions.
And if your savings don’t stretch quite far enough, there’s still a better way to cover college expenses. AdelFi has partnered with Student Choice to offer a private student lending tailored just for you. With flexible rates and terms, you can explore the credit union option that best fits your needs.
