Rising College Costs? How to Win the Education Savings Race

Rising College Costs? How to Win the Education Savings Race

All parents desire to provide a stable and comfortable life for their children. In fact, parents work to ensure a comfortable and secure future for their children as well. In a world where expenses and the cost of education are rising exponentially, it is crucial to start saving early. 

It's high time the parents need to make significant decisions regarding investing in their child's education. The cost of higher education is rising continuously in the US. Thus, planning for their education funds is a real deal today.

In the US, the cost of higher education is going up, up, and away. According to the College Board, the average annual cost of a four-year, private college in the US for the 2023-2024 school year is a breathtaking $51,897. Public in-state schools offer some relief, averaging $22,690, but that's still a significant nest egg.

Let's talk about inflation. Operational costs for colleges and universities rise due to inflation, and the demand for specialized programs contributes to the mounting expenses. As a result, planning and saving for education have become mandatory for parents who wish to provide their children with quality higher education opportunities.

Inflation in the US and Its Impact

Inflation plays a noteworthy role in the rising costs of education. In a nutshell, inflation refers to the steady increase in the prices of goods and services over time, resulting in a decrease in the purchasing power of money, making future expenses, such as education, more expensive.

For parents who want to save for their child's education, inflation can be a factor that can deteriorate the value of their savings if not invested strategically. Therefore, it's essential to consider inflation when planning for education expenses.

US and the Average Household Expenses

Aside from education costs, families in the US face various other expenses, including housing, transportation, healthcare, and groceries. According to recent data, the average annual household expenses in the US amount to approximately $63,000. With such significant financial commitments, allocating funds for education can be challenging without proper planning. By prioritizing education savings and exploring avenues like CREB, families can mitigate the financial strain associated with higher education costs.

The Significance of Investment in Child Education

Investing in a child's education extends far beyond the classroom. It provides them with opportunities for personal growth, enhances their future earning potential, and empowers them to pursue their dreams. Moreover, an educated populace contributes to a thriving economy and a more equitable society.

By investing in their children's education, parents not only secure their future but also invest in the future of their community and nation. Therefore, viewing education as an investment rather than an expense is crucial for long-term financial planning.

Introduction to CREB

Compound Real Estate Bonds, CREB is a fintech platform that believes in democratizing wealth-building opportunities for both accredited and non-accredited investors. At CREB, Investors can participate in the cost-effective world of real estate investing with minimal barriers to entry. Our digital platform enables individuals to invest as little as $10 and reap the benefits of an impressive 8.5% Annual Percentage Yield (APY), without being burdened by hidden fees or complex investment structures.

How CREB Can Help in Your Investment Journey

Effective education investment begins with careful planning and goal-setting. Parents should start saving for their child's education as early as possible to take advantage of compounding interest and maximize their savings potential. The early investment provides the opportunity to grow and helps to build a goal for your child’s education. It is often said that ‘early investments result in more investment avenues as per your choice’. CREB can be a great tool to save money for your child's education. You can consistently add funds and watch them grow with a high interest rate of 8.5% APY while still having the flexibility to access your funds whenever you want to. CREB offers a compelling way to save your hard-earned money for your child's bright future, you just need to sign up and connect your bank account after getting verified by Plaid IDV. Then, you are ready to go, start investing with as little as $10. By investing regularly, you will be able to achieve your goal as soon as possible. Being consistent and starting early are two essential things, you should take care of while investing for your child's education.

How much a parent should save?

Determining how much you should save monthly for your child's education fund in the US depends on various factors such as the cost of education, the time horizon until your child attends college, and the expected rate of return on your investments.

Let's consider an example scenario where a parent decides to save $100 per week for their child's education fund, and they expect to earn an annual interest rate of 8.5% on their investments as CREB offers.

First, we need to calculate the total annual contribution:

$100 per week x 52 weeks = $5,200 per year

Now, let's calculate the future value of these contributions over a certain period, assuming an annual interest rate of 8.5%. We'll use the compound interest formula:

Future Value (FV) = P * (1 + r/n)^(nt)

Where:

  • P = Principal amount (initial investment)
  • r = Annual interest rate (as a decimal)
  • n = Number of times interest is compounded per year
  • t = Number of years

In our example:

  • P = $5,200 per year
  • r = 8.5% or 0.085
  • n = 1 (assuming interest is compounded annually)
  • t = Number of years until the child attends college

Let's say the parent starts saving when their child is born and plans to fund their college education in 18 years. Plugging these values into the formula:

FV = $5,200 * (1 + 0.085/1)^(1*18) ≈ $5,200 * (1.085)^18 ≈ $5,200 * 4.698 ≈ $24,453.60

So, if the parent saves $100 per week with an 8.5% annual interest rate, they would have approximately $24,453.60 saved for their child's education fund by the time the child is ready for college. Therefore, saving early for your child’s bright future is very essential, so that you can enjoy the benefits of compounding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in a child's education is a fundamental aspect of financial planning for families in the US. With the ever-increasing costs of higher education and the impact of inflation on future expenses, strategic investment is essential to secure a child's educational future. By utilizing the fintech platform CREB and adopting sound investment strategies, parents can navigate the complexities of education financing with confidence and ensure a bright future for their children.