JB Pritzker, Governor, State of Illinois

Early Awareness

Families can never start planning to save for college too early.  But finances are only one part of the college planning process.  Students also need to decide what type of job or career they would like and how much education they will need to obtain that goal.

This section provides information to help families look at their savings strategies and has exercises for students to help decide “What do I want to be when I grow up”.

Financial Planning

As part of the college preparation process, families should to be aware of the importance to start financial planning as early as possible.  This section provides information on a variety of savings options and describes differences between 529 plans, mutual funds, stocks and savings bonds.  Additional information is also provided on what families should be saving now for their child in order to have the necessary funds available when the student is ready for college.