This post was sponsored by Florida Prepaid as part of the Florida Prepaid Mama’Bassador Program. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

With one kid in college I know first hand the kind of expenses that come with giving your child the full college experience. I always knew that J-bird wanted to “go away” to college, he’s talked about attending St. John’s University in NYC since I was a student there – as a SJU alumni I was obviously very proud when he accepted his invitation to tend. Now he’s talking about coming back to Florida to attend Nova Southeastern University (another Alma Mater of mine), to be closer to home and to cut down on expenses. I made the mistake of not saving for his college expenses and we are paying the price – a hefty one.  I can assure you I’ve learned from those mistakes and have already started saving for college with a 529 plan for my girls educational expenses. If you are undecided on why now is a good time to start saving for college, let me help you understand it better.

5 Reasons To Start Saving for College Now

1. Open enrollment only happens once a year – starting now helps keep your contribution and overall costs lower in the future

2. The cost of attendance at colleges and university’s has doubled in the last 10 years

3. An immediate investment into your child’s future – a Bachelor’s degree will earn you more than a High School Diploma

4. Five college/university plans to choose from – plus a new Dormitory only plan

5. Choice of 40 Florida Colleges and State University’s to choose from

Most Florida colleges now offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs in growth industries like nursing and teaching, and continue to grow their degree programs year after year. The 4-Year Florida College Plan provides a practical, affordable path to a bachelor’s degree for most families and allows you to start saving for college.

Another popular option among many college students and their families these days allows the student to study for 2 years at a college, and then transfer to complete their junior and senior years at State University. With the 2+2 Florida College Plan your child can receive a degree from one of Florida’s prestigious state universities for less than a typical four-year university degree. By taking basic and required courses during their first 2 years at a Florida college, they can save lots of money before transferring to a State University to finish off their degree. The best part is that all students enrolled in this program who complete an associate degree at a Florida college are GUARANTEED admission to a state university!

If you were to enroll your newborn today, your monthly payments for a 4 year Florida College plan would be $114.69, a 2 year college plus 2 year state university plan is $144.35. There are 5 different plans to choose from. There is no better time than the present to start saving for college, starting is believing!

Check out this cute interactive conversation to help you learn more about your options for the Florida 529 Savings Plan and Florida Prepaid College Plans.

 

Saving for College: 5 Reasons To Start Now was sponsored by Florida Prepaid as part of the FloridaPrepaid Mama’Bassador Program. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own. I am a Florida Mama’Bassador and am receiving compensation as such. If you decide to register for Florida Prepaid, be sure to use code use code BLOG1516 to receive a gift. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.