Retirement Savings Versus College Savings

For Millennials with young families, this can be a quandary. Try to save for both, but prioritize retirement savings. There are loans for college but not retirement.

SET PRIORITIES

While you value providing higher education for your children, step back and think hard before choosing to fund education over saving for retirement. Alternatively, start your children working toward winning scholarships in their freshman year of high school. Academics and sports are one way, but leadership in clubs and community service are also important.

MAXIMIZE EMPLOYER 401(K) MATCHES

A 401(k) plan matching contribution may be the best return you will ever get on an investment. In addition to the match, you also get a tax break on your contributions and the earnings on those contributions. If your employer also offers a Roth 401(k) option, all contributions, including the match, will be made with after-tax money.

CONSIDER A COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN

Ask your professional advisor about a college savings plan only after you’ve maximized your retirement plan matching contributions. They can help you compare the benefits of saving more in your company plan, contributing to an individual retirement account or Roth IRA, or funding a separate college savings plan.