As an alternative to traditional student loans, borrowing against your 401(k) to pay for a child’s or grandchild’s college education presents advantages and disadvantages. Experts caution against 401(k) loans because they will impact your own retirement situation. However, a 401(k) loan might be a viable option for you under certain circumstances. In other cases, it may be the only option.

Scholarships can help fill the gap when a family isn't able to save for their entire college bill, and they can put a coveted, more expensive school within reach. But just because you feel your child has a good shot at winning a scholarship one day doesn't mean you should hold off on saving with a 529. Here's why:

A non-qualified withdrawal from your 529 plan could mean having to pay income tax as well as a 10% penalty on the earnings portion of the distribution. These five tips will walk you through the withdrawal process and maximize the value of your college savings.

If your state offers a state income tax benefit for contributions to a 529 plan, you can get a discount on tuition costs by making a contribution and taking a distribution the next day. This loophole can save you 3% to 10% of college costs, depending on the state.