Stages in College Planning

The Three Stages of College Planning

 

At Future-Focused Wealth, we take a radically smarter approach to college funding. In our experience working with Dallas-area families, the way most people plan and pay for college is broken.

Too often, families wait until after a student is accepted to start asking the most important question:

 

“How are we going to pay for this?”

 

That’s why we break the process down into three dynamic planning stages that build on one another:

  • Saving FOR College
  • Saving ON College
  • Saving AFTER College

Let’s walk through each.

 

 

Stage 1: Saving FOR College 

(Early Planning Stage)

 

 

This stage focuses on long-term savings strategies that set your family up for success. The earlier you start, the more flexibility you gain.

Starts: Birth to Middle School

Key Steps:

  • Open a 529 College Savings Plan
  • Set automatic monthly contributions
  • Use birthday gifts, bonuses, or tax refunds to fund accounts
  • Review financial goals to balance saving for college and retirement
  • Involve grandparents or relatives in tax-smart contributions

Why It Matters: Compounding interest works best with time. Families who start early have more control and less stress when college arrives.

 

Stage 2: Saving ON College 

(The Critical Planning Window)

 

This is where financial strategy and admissions timelines intersect. By 8th grade, it’s time to start thinking proactively about:

  • Your college budget
  • How much you can afford to spend
  • How much financial aid or merit your student may receive

 

Starts: 8th Grade to 12th Grade

Key Steps:

  • Begin the College Pre-Approval™ process
  • Compare colleges based on net price, not sticker price
  • Identify schools offering generous aid for your student’s profile
  • Plan for tax credits, scholarships, and grant eligibility
  • Strategize application timing (early decision vs. regular)

Why It Matters: The cost of college is not fixed. Families can save tens of thousands by shopping smart and aligning school choices with financial realities.

 

Stage 3: Saving AFTER College 

(Post-Graduation Protection)

 

 

Too many families focus on getting into college—and forget to plan for what happens after. This stage ensures that student loans don’t become a lifelong burden.

Starts: Senior Year + Beyond

Key Steps:

  • Analyze potential student loan debt vs. projected income
  • Develop a four-year funding plan (not just for Year 1)
  • Create a student loan repayment strategy tied to career goals
  • Coordinate repayment options: public service loan forgiveness, income-driven repayment, refinance opportunities
  • Ensure parents don’t sacrifice retirement to pay off student debt

Why It Matters: College should create opportunity—not debt stress. Planning for the post-college years protects your family’s future.

 

Smarter Planning Starts Today

 

Whether your child is 6 or 16, it’s never too early—or too late—to build a better college strategy.

📅 Book a College Planning Session today, or Download Your Free College Money Report™ to see where your student stands.

Take control of the process. Don't let tuition dictate your future.