re: What is a "realistic" goal for a child's 529 contribution?

Probably a stupid question, but doesnt a 529 seem like a very antiquated way to pay for college? Sure, when college tuition wasn't 5 figures at a minimum the average family with 2.5 kids could use them to sock some money away to pay for retirement.

What's the average cost of higher education these days $20k a year (avg private vs. public)? So for 4 years you are looking at $80K (not factoring in inflation). Just dont see many families (including relatives) being able to save $4k per kid per year. They might work if your kid goes to an in-state public university, but for a private college, just dont see how one can save enough to make a dent (but I guess a dent is better than nothing).