<prompt> Human: Is there a general consensus on how much one might need for college in 16-18 years from now? It seems like you dont want to have a 529 overfunded, but what might that magic number be.The max you can contribute is 14,000yr correct me if Im wrong without getting into gift-tax implications. How much is an appropriate amount? Is 800mo a reasonable amount? That gives 172,800 in 18 years with zero interest. Add in some interest and you could easily be in the 250-300,000 range, which I think would be an appropriate amount. If a private college costs 150-250,000 for 4 years now, who knows how much higher itll go.I know no one has a magic 8ball for this, but Im curious what other folks are doing, and what I should start with.  <response>: Its a hard question, 16-18 years done the road, college might be funded by the government, or heavily subsidized. But on the other hand, it might cost 500k for a 4 year program. The best advice I can give you would be to put in as much as you can, while maintaining your style of living, and your personal investments. Dont pull money that would be going towards your 401kIRA to fund a 529 plan. Pay yourself first. 