My partner and I are trying to figure out the best way to save for our toddler's future college expenses without stretching our budget too thin. We’re not exactly rolling in cash, but we want to give her a solid start. We’ve looked into 529 plans and some custodial accounts, but the fees and investment options can be confusing. Plus, I keep wondering if we should focus more on paying off our debt first or start saving aggressively now.

We’ve tried setting up a small monthly automatic transfer to a savings account, but it barely moves the needle. Sometimes it feels overwhelming balancing everyday expenses with long-term goals.

Has anyone found a good balance or strategy that worked for them? How did you decide where to put your money, and did you start early or wait until your finances were more stable? Any tips on frugal ways to boost those savings would be amazing.

On 01/13/2026 at 6:10 PM, FrugalFinExpert said:

My partner and I are trying to figure out the best way to save for our toddler's future college expenses without stretching our budget too thin. We’re not exactly rolling in cash, but we want to give her a solid start. We’ve looked into 529 plans and some custodial accounts, but the fees and investment options can be confusing. Plus, I keep wondering if we should focus more on paying off our debt first or start saving aggressively now.

We’ve tried setting up a small monthly automatic transfer to a savings account, but it barely moves the needle. Sometimes it feels overwhelming balancing everyday expenses with long-term goals.

Has anyone found a good balance or strategy that worked for them? How did you decide where to put your money, and did you start early or wait until your finances were more stable? Any tips on frugal ways to boost those savings would be amazing.

It’s so tough trying to juggle debt and savings, especially with a little one in the mix. We started small with a 529 plan too, but what helped us was setting a realistic monthly amount that wouldn’t pinch our budget, even if it felt tiny at first. Over time, those small contributions added up more than we expected. Plus, many states offer tax benefits on 529s, which can ease the sting a bit.

One thing that made a difference was prioritizing high-interest debt first - once that was under control, we felt more comfortable increasing savings. Also, don’t underestimate the power of side hustles or selling unused stuff around the house; those “extra” funds can go straight into the college fund without disrupting daily expenses.

Fees and investment options can definitely be confusing. If you’re unsure, sometimes a simple low-fee index fund inside the 529 or custodial account can be a good way to go without

Balancing debt payoff with saving for college is definitely tricky, especially when funds are tight. If your debt has high interest rates, prioritizing paying that down first usually makes the most financial sense - it frees up more money in the long run. Meanwhile, even a small, consistent contribution to a 529 plan can add up over time without feeling overwhelming.

Since fees and investment options can be confusing, consider a low-cost, age-based 529 plan that automatically adjusts as your child gets older. That way you don’t have to micromanage investments. Also, some states offer tax benefits for 529 contributions, so check if your state does - that can stretch your savings further.

Frugal strategies like rounding up purchases to save spare change or selling unused items can boost those savings without adding stress. It’s all about steady progress, not perfection. You’re on the right track by looking at options and trying to start early!