I’m 15. How Do I Save for College Now, So I Get the Most Out of My Financial Aid?

Her parents have saved nothing, so she’s getting a job herself. What should she do next?

By Howard Dvorkin, CPA

I’m 15 years old. I’ll go to college in a few years. My parents haven’t saved up any money, but I’m getting a job soon so I can start saving. Where should I put the money? A 529 plan? A Roth IRA? Somewhere else? I don’t want to leave all of my savings in a savings account because FAFSA will see that and I’ll get less aid. Thanks!

– Cheyenne in California

Howard Dvorkin CPA responds…

First of all, Cheyenne, congratulations on being wise beyond your years. Not many teenagers realize that saving money is so important. Sadly, many adults don’t realize it, either.

You’re also smart enough to understand how the financial aid system works (or doesn’t work). FAFSA stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid,” and you fill it out on a federal website. But like everything else run by the government, it’s not explained in the clearest terms.

(Here are Debt.com’s tips for making the process less time-consuming and stress-inducing.)