How Much to Save for College at Every Age: UNest Helps Parents Hit the Benchmarks

When it comes to saving for your child’s future, one of the biggest questions parents face is: Am I saving enough for college?

A recent MarketWatch article tackled this head-on, laying out specific college savings benchmarks by age. The recommendations are clear—and while the numbers may look intimidating, they can serve as powerful guideposts for families who want to prepare.

According to the article, here’s what families should ideally aim for:

• $3,000 by age 5
• $16,000 by age 13
• $31,000 by age 18

These aren’t requirements—they’re targets based on averages. And while they may feel daunting, the good news is that they’re achievable with planning, consistency, and the right tools. At UNest, our mission is to make these goals more manageable for families, no matter where they are on their financial journey.

Why Benchmarks Matter (Without the Pressure)

Think of benchmarks not as mandates, but as motivational milestones. They give families a framework to measure progress and stay accountable.

• If your child is 5 and you’ve saved $1,000 instead of $3,000—you’re still building. The important part is starting now.
• If your teen is 13 and you’re behind the $16,000 target, it’s not too late. Every contribution helps reduce future loan burdens.

The key takeaway: consistency matters more than perfection.

1. Automate Your Savings

One of the simplest ways to make steady progress toward college savings is through automation. With UNest, you can:

• Schedule recurring contributions that align with your budget.
• Invest savings in a diversified portfolio tailored to your risk tolerance and timeline.
• Watch small, steady deposits grow into meaningful savings over time.

Automation takes the decision fatigue out of the process. Once set, your contributions work in the background—no missed months, no stress.

2. Set Goals That Motivate

Benchmarks like the ones from MarketWatch are powerful because they translate an overwhelming total into manageable chunks. Saving “tens of thousands” sounds impossible—but breaking it into age-based milestones makes it digestible.

Within the UNest app, you can:

• Set specific savings goals tied to milestones like age 5, 13, and 18.
• Track progress visually, so you see how close you are to each benchmark.
• Celebrate small wins, which builds momentum and motivation.

2. Start Where You Are—It’s Never Too Late or Too Early

Whether your child is still in preschool or heading into senior year, it’s worth starting now.

• Early savers benefit from compounding growth, where small deposits snowball over time.
• Later savers still gain by reducing out-of-pocket college costs and student debt burdens.

UNest adapts to your timeline. Parents of younger children can pursue more growth-focused portfolios, while those with older kids can shift toward more conservative investments as college draws near.

3. College Costs Aren’t Coming Down

It’s no secret: tuition continues to rise. The College Board reports that the average cost of a four-year public university is now well over $100,000, while private institutions can exceed $200,000.

Without savings, students often face heavy loan burdens that can follow them for decades. By building a dedicated college fund through UNest, you’re giving your child:

• More freedom to choose the right school (without financial barriers dictating the decision).
• Less reliance on high-interest student loans.
• A stronger financial foundation to launch into adulthood.

UNest: Making College Savings Simple

At UNest, we believe every family deserves tools that make saving approachable and stress-free. Our platform provides:

• Automated contributions to build consistency.
• Smart portfolios tailored to your child’s age and your preferences.
  
• Transparent tracking so you always know where you stand against benchmarks.

With UNest, you don’t just save—you create a plan that grows with your family.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear the Numbers—Let Them Guide You

The MarketWatch benchmarks—$3,000 by age 5, $16,000 by age 13, $31,000 by age 18—can feel overwhelming at first glance. But when you break them down, automate savings, invite others to contribute, and stay consistent, they become achievable stepping-stones.

Remember: the best time to start saving was yesterday. The second-best time is today. Don’t let college costs catch you by surprise. Start building your child’s future with UNest today. Every dollar saved brings your family closer to peace of mind—and your child closer to opportunity.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. You should consult your own financial, legal, and tax advisors before engaging in any transaction. Information, including hypothetical projections of finances, may not take into account taxes, commissions, or other factors which may significantly affect potential outcomes. This material should not be considered an offer or recommendation to buy or sell a security. While information and sources are believed to be accurate, UNest does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information or source provided herein and is under no obligation to update this information.

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