It's no secret: Saving for a short-term goal like a vacation or new TV is more exciting than saving for higher education.

As such, it can be tempting to minimize or completely eliminate college savings in favor of something more immediate. However, this decision can be detrimental to the future and cause major complications down the line.

The important thing to remember is saving for college doesn't have to be wildly expensive every month. You can start a Virginia529 inVEST account with as little as $25 and contribute as much as you'd like from there. Even small monthly contributions can make a huge difference for your loved one’s future.

You can still save for that new car you've been eyeing, but don't lose sight of the bigger picture. Saving for the future is all about balance and prioritization.

» Why save for college? » Start saving with $25