“We started our children's (age 3 and 1) upon receipt of their Social Security numbers shortly after birth.  I appreciate the need to start saving early for college, and understand the important of earnings and state tax savings. We also encourage saving for our 3 year old.  We put change daily into a big money jar, and he has a piggy bank in his room.  On his birthday each year, we take the containers to the bank and deposit the money into his savings account.”

       -The Van Buskirk Family, Springfield, Oregon


“When our daughter was born we asked all our family members to make contributions to her college savings fund and instead of gifts for her birthday we include coupon slips in her birthday invites.  This becomes a true gift for her from our family and friends.”

       -The Wedsted Family, Central Point, Oregon


“We have 8 year old boy-girl twins.  Their college education will be their key for a fulfilling, independent life.  Saving while they are growing up enables us to grow their college fund easily and painlessly.”

       -The Stout Family, Portland, Oregon


College is expensive! We started saving for my daughter after she turned 1. We're using the Oregon 529 because of the tax benefits (state and tax free growth). We save money every week to put into our 529. As one example of saving money and teaching my 2 yr old, I bring home a $1 gold coin each day from work. When I come home, she asks me if I "have something for her?". I give her the gold coin, and she says "Thank you Papa! I have to go put this in my bank to save for college!" You gotta love that!!!!”

       -The Cormack Family, Portland, Oregon