<prompt> Human: Im a 21 year old girl living in Alberta, Canada who does NOT have her finances in check. I have 15,000 in federal and provincial student loans that I accumulated from two years of radio school. I also have about 1000 in credit card debt that I pay about 100 on each month before racking it up again. I have successfully landed a pretty decent gig for a first real job in radio and make anywhere from 1200-1400 a month. I pay 500 in rent, about 200 on food, 110 on cellphone and the rest is usually blown on random stuff. So yes, I am very aware of my financial situation! My brother and his wife are expecting tier first child in late November. They have never really made more than ends meet but I know what they lack in money, they will make up for in love and fun, which is how we were raised so Im not too concerned. What I am concerned about is when baby E grows up and doesnt have any financial cushion to start post-secondary with. My brother and his wife along with 90 of my extended family never had post-secondary education and I really think a big reason for that was fear of accumulating student debt due to no college funds. I cant imagine my brother or his wife will be able to manage a college fund for the time being and I dont want to push it on them to do, but I really, really want to change the cycle of no school bad jobs no school bad jobs. Obviously I understand there are ways around this in my case taking the hit of student loans but I would like to at least TRY.I know it sounds ridiculous but I already love this baby. I text my sister in law every week with happy week ___! I have burst out into tears and laughter at the mere thought of becoming an auntie and I really want to be a positive influence on baby Es life. So, Im hoping to get some advice on how to set up a college fund for somebody elses child. I know zero things about investments or savings funds and would really like some ELI5 style advice. What would be the minimum amount I could save each month, and still make a difference in 18 years? When should I start? Can I go to my normal bank? Etc. Thank you so much! Edit: Please understand that I do realize the importance of my own finances. Saying figure out your own issues first is good advice, but not the advice Im needing. I do have plans to figure out my own debt and Im aware of how to do that. I would appreciate some advice on the logistics of setting up the college fund. Thanks again.  <response>: Best advice, get your own financial life in order, before worrying about baby Es college fund. Once you have a budget and have extra money a month then worry about it. You got 18 years or more. 