<prompt> Human: I have 4 years to save for his college. It wont be much, relatively speaking, but if I save 8,000 to 16,000, does a 529 plan make sense in this timeframe?  <response>: If you expect your child to go to college and your own retirement is in shape, the 529 is probably tax advantaged, so its better than not setting it up. 8,000 probably pays for community college which gives you 1 - 2 years to save more.If those variables are in question you might consider putting the money in a Roth IRA instead. You should be able to withdraw the contributions without penalty. You wont have earned any more than you contributed, but it gives you more personal flexibility. 