5 ways to up the grade on college saving

In its annual College Savings Indicator study, Fidelity Investments reports that 69% of families have started saving for college, an all-time high since Fidelity began the survey seven years ago. But parents aiming to save could use all the help they can get. Here is Fidelity’s advice for employees who want to meet higher education expenses goals – and how employers can help them.

One of the best savings tools available to parents may be opening a dedicated college savings account, such as a 529 plan. Eighty-eight percent of 529 plan owners have a strategy in place to meet their college savings needs. “This year’s findings are consistent with what we hear from our customers – parents recognize the importance of defining their college priorities and setting a strategy to save regularly,” says Keith Bernhardt, vice president of college planning at Fidelity Investments.