If you harbor a dream of your child graduating from college without being buried in student loan debt, you’re probably going to have to save up a heck of a lot of money for the cause. The earlier you start saving, the more you’ll be able to contribute. But it’s important that you get your kid in on the effort.

Bargaineering suggests starting a fund when your child is an infant and contributing to it regularly as he grows up. My favorite piece of advice from the post regards getting your child to buy in to what you’re attempting to accomplish, convincing him to set aside part of his allowance and money earned from odd jobs to the cause.

If you play it right, the college fund can be a bonding experience. You can track the account’s progress together and make collaborative investment decisions. If your child buys in, he’ll be less likely to blow the fund because he’ll see it as something he earned rather than money that was just given to him.

Kids & Money: When to Start Saving for Your Child’s College Education [Bargaineering]

Previously: Options To Save Money For Your Kids To Blow In College

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