Limit the amount of saving that a student has in their own name. A student is expected to put their saving into college expenses. Talk with your accountant about where the money might be best spent.
Sale stocks and mutual funds that is meant to fund college at least a year before a child applies for college. Capital gains will increase the years income, therefore decreasing grant eligibility off income.
Retirement funds should be in designated accounts specifically for retirement. While the government assistant programs and grants do not consider such account in calculating income.
When borrowing money for college think twice before using credit cards to pay fees grants and scholarships did not pay. Consider options such as taking out a home equity loan, because such loans will reduce net worth.