Here's my honest breakdown of what I've actually spent on my child's education from birth to age 18, and what I would have done differently on the savings side.

Total 529 contributions over 18 years: $52,000. Total 529 value at college start: $124,000 (VTI and age-based allocations). This covered roughly 2.5 years of an in-state public university including room and board.

What I'd do differently: I would have started the 529 the month my child was born instead of waiting until they were 2. The additional 2 years of compounding on even modest contributions would have added another $10,000-15,000 by graduation.

I'd also have contributed more consistently in the early years when it mattered most for compounding, even if the amounts were small. $100/month starting at birth compounds significantly over 18 years.

The 529 was the right vehicle. The timing and consistency could have been better.