Kids grow up quick. It's never too early to do some college planning. A good start are 529 plans, the college savings programs each state has rolled out. At their best they are wonderful vehicles to sock some dough away for Junior's college tuition/education expenses. At their worst they border on criminal - some states think these plans are a revenue stream. I'll try to touch on some of the good ones now and in the future.

I recently enrolled my kids in the Upromise College Fund 529 Plan run by Nevada. It's hooked up with Vanguard so you know they do a nice job keeping expenses low -- more money in my pocket. What I really like is how Upromise integrates the 529 features along with the cash savings program it also offers. You may have seen a promotion at your local grocery store or noticed the Upromise logo on some of the items in your shopping cart. The Upromise site functions as your command center to give you a wonderful view of all the different ways to earn cash back on everyday purchases -- groceries, dinners out and more. Then you simply click the 529 tab and you're taken to your investment account(s).

Unless there is a tax incentive to use your home state's plan, check out the Upromise 529 plan. It's a great way to prepare for the day when bathtime is but a fond memory.