Can family members contribute to a child's college savings?

Family members can contribute to a child's college savings by opening their own 529 plan accounts. They can also make contributions to an established 529 account under the child's parents' name, if the plan that the parents use accepts third-party contributions.

How to start a college fund for kids?

If you’ll need the funds soon, you’ll likely want to consider scaling back on the risk,” Wood says. Another way to start a college fund for kids: You can buy savings bonds digitally from the Treasury at TreasuryDirect.gov. They're no longer issued in paper form.

Can a child invest money in a college account?

Your child will legally be able to use the money in the account – for college or anything else – when they turn 18. There's no limit on what you can invest, and of course, the money doesn't have to go toward college.