Will your child go to college? If so, the College Board estimates that secondary education costs are rising 7% to 8% annually, a rate much higher than the rate of inflation. To afford the average $7,000 total costs for a state university, you need to start saving $195 a month. Wait until your child is 7 years old and the monthly amount jumps to $240! So, it’s smart to put away a little sum each month.

How can you meet all of your new responsibilities? With an important financial goal (such as educating a child) you’ll want to work with a generalist — a financial planner. A lot of professionals specialize in areas such as taxes or stocks, but a financial planner helps you understand the “big picture.” A qualified financial planner can help you sort through your current financial situation, help you set short- and long-term goals and objectives, then present a “blueprint” designed to show you how you can meet your goals while staying within your means.

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