college savings

Q. My father is very generous with my son, who is 10. He invests for his college. I also have a daughter who is 6, but my father never gives as much for her college. It’s strange and I’ve been afraid to ask and start a fight, but I can’t believe he might be treating them differently. I have no brothers or sisters so I never noticed anything strange growing up.

Q. My kids are done with college and I’m lucky – they got scholarships and went to schools that were less expensive than I thought they would be. We have $57,000 split between two 529 Plans. What are the options for that money?

There may be many advantages to filing head of household — but let's take a look at the pros and cons, and who even qualifies.

My house is older than I am, and I plan to retire and move in just two years. Is it worth putting big money into it?

Q. About NJ’s 529 Plan: It doesn’t seem to be the greatest plan. Because I want no risk for my children’s college monies, what can you suggest? I just want a place, an account, where I can simply deposit, hopefully will grow something, tax free, to be used only for college expenses? Does that exist? Besides a bank account in their name?

The good news is that Americans are saving more than ever for college. The bad news is that the average amount still isn't enough to cover one year at a four-year public university.