PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Let's face it, college is expensive, and when you factor for inflation, getting an education isn't getting any cheaper. And while saving for college in the U.S. takes a ton of commitment and sacrifice, there's a light at the end of the tunnel, especially if you set aside money early on. The most effective way to save for higher learning education in 2025 is to set up automatic contributions through a 529 plan, according to Martha Kortiak Mert, chief operating officer of SavingforCollege.com. "So, 529 plans are the only type of investment account specifically designed for people saving for education and saving for college specifically," she said. "So you put your money in, it gets invested in. You get to choose an investment portfolio. That money grows, tax-deferred." She said a major benefit to the plan is when you withdraw money, it's tax-free if spent on eligible education expenses. This could range from tuition and fees to room and board and books. There's also no requirements below a certain income level to open or contribute to this plan. "So, in addition to the things I just mentioned, you can also spend the money on up to $10,000 a year of K-12 tuition per beneficiary per year," Mert said. "And starting last year, if you have money left over in your 529 plan, you can roll it over to a Roth IRA." Other college saving options to consider are a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act custodial investment account, or UGMA account, and a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act custodial investment account, or UTMA account. "So these are accounts that you set up for a child and you put money into, and they're completely flexible," she said. "You get to spend this money however you want, whether it's a down payment on a house, a car, travel around the world, you know, whatever your goal might be for that child." Mert encourages people to begin saving now. She suggests starting as early as when your baby is born, or even as your teens get jobs, to help them put money aside, because once they begin school, the expenses don't go away.