This is guest host Andrew Horowitz from the Disciplined Investor Podcast.

And today on Money Girl, I'll be discussing how to start saving for your children's educational

expenses through a tax advantaged 529 plan.

Do you ever wonder how you're going to be able to afford your child's college education?

Have you looked into different savings plans and been confused about what's the best choice?

Well you're not alone. As a matter of fact, listen to Phil wrote in about this

subject as he wanted to get some direction for his eight-year-old boys college

plan. Well, Phil, it's never too early to start and you're asking an

important question.

Parents of youngsters worry about the same thing every day.

I'm one of them. With the rising cost of education and other expenses,

it becomes more worrisome for many every single day and it should.

The College Board estimates that the average cost for college

increase at double the rate of inflation.

At 8%, the cost will double in 9 years.

And in difficult economic times, when people are just trying to put food on the table and keep a roof over their

families' heads, college savings is so distant a notion it may as well be non-existent.

Luckily there is some help in what is known as a 529 plan.

The 529 plan is a tax-advanted investment

which promotes and encourages savings for higher education.

This plan is often favored over traditional methods because of its tax advantages.

There are two types of 529 plans that are usually discussed, the prepaid plan and the savings

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