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The age of the child is a critical factor in defining the time horizon for investing in a college fund. This is because the time available until the child reaches college age directly influences how much time the investments have to grow. If the child is very young, for example, there may be a longer time horizon available, allowing for a more aggressive investment strategy that can take advantage of market growth. Conversely, if the child is nearing college age, the investment strategy may need to shift toward more conservative options to protect the capital that will be needed in the near future.

This time horizon impacts not only the choice of investments but also how contributions to the college fund are structured. The long-term growth potential provides more flexibility in asset allocation, while a shorter timeframe might not allow for as much growth and thus requires safer investments. Understanding this relationship between the child’s age and the investment strategy is vital for effective planning in college funding.