DO:

• Make children part of the saving process as early as possible. No mall jobs? Try babysitting, yard work, dog walking, etc.

• Paying for their tuition? Start with personal savings, then go to government-backed student loans -- which have low interest rates -- and PLUS parental loans. Private bank loans are an option but have high interest rates.

• Use your network -- family, friends, church, etc. -- to help your child//children explore careers in high school. It will focus their high school and college studies, possibly cutting down on costs.

• Consider community college, which is far less expensive, for the first two years of undergraduate work and then a transfer to a four-year institution.

• Assess your child. Not an "A" student? A bit immature? Students often drop out after one year. Consider community college before splurging on a four-year school.

• Encourage students to make the most of high school - by looking for opportunities for college credit or dual enrollment.