While October can be a time of frightening phenomenon, don’t be scared to start saving for college. While it’s best to start saving when your little pumpkins are young, you can start at any age. First, set your annual goal. Next, strategize and make a game plan. Now start saving!

Sure, I know you’ve probably heard them all before, but here are a few everyday tips to get you started. Don’t just read them, use them!

• Start a matching program.  Agree to match your child dollar-for-dollar for anything they contribute to their college savings plan.

• Take a look at rewards programs. Sign up for UPromise which allows you to turn your rewards into cash for your SMART529 college savings account.

• Organize clothing swaps of gently used clothing with your friends who have children.

• Take advantage of free entertainment in your community for festivals, movie nights, even trips to the library.

• Limit items to those on your list when you shop for groceries. (Bonus if you turn this into a financial lesson for your children by using the grocery list for a scavenger hunt. Let them help you find the items on your list, then determine which brand is the best value.)

• Make it a family goal to never pay full price. Coupon, coupon, coupon….need I say more? While you’re at it, take the amount saved each month with coupons and deposit it into your SMART529 plan.