It’s spring time in the Truckee Meadows. The river is running high, the trees are green, and students of all ages are getting spring fever.

With graduation on the horizon, it’s hard not to think about what is coming next. Whether your student is finishing kindergarten, graduating high school, or currently in college, it’s always a wise idea to be thinking about a plan for higher education.

It’s never too late to start saving, but just like planning for retirement, the earlier the better. These days there are a lot of options available for consideration including Section 529 plans, education savings bonds, Coverdell education savings accounts, and education loans. As the cost of college continues to increase it is important to be prepared. According to the Project on Student Debt, two-thirds of college seniors in the class of 2010 graduated with loans, and the average debt carried was $25,250.

The cost of college continues to be on the rise. Make sure you look into all your options for investing in your child’s future as well as for deducting your current costs.

If your student is already in college or will be starting this year, make sure your CPA is making the most of education deductions and credits. For those that meet the requirements, student loan interest can be deductible on a qualified education loan. Taxpayers may also be able to claim a deduction for qualified tuition and fees. Education credits include the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit . These deductions and credits should be coordinated to maximize the tax benefit. While taking this all into account, it is also important to review the dependency exemption and determine when it is the optimum time for your child to no longer be claimed as a dependent.