How to get your kids through college without going broke

Here’s a guide to navigating FAFSA and managing your 529 plan to keep your finances (and family harmony) intact.

You may be vaguely aware that the cost of college keeps rising faster than inflation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready for the sticker shock when your kids start applying for schools. Currently, the average cost of a year of undergraduate education is $38,270 per student per year, which includes the cost of books, supplies, and living expenses.