Finding Money For College During the Recession

It’s no secret that money for college can be awfully difficult to come by these days. It’s to the point where every penny counts and, over at Freep, columnist Susan Tompor has a list of tips on how to make sure you have enough money set aside for your children’s — or your own — college education. The tips range from common sense, like filling out FAFSA forms for financial aid, to cut-backs that belie a harsher economic climate.

• Skip some senior-year frills — maybe it’s no class ring or a limit on graduation pictures. Save that money toward college.

• Be realistic about what you can afford. Have a discussion with your child about the changing economic landscape — and yes, losses in real estate and the stock market.

Is it worth it, giving up tokens of high school memories to put toward the future? Not for everyone, but when every bit counts such ideas can make a world of difference.

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