Here's a step-by-step starter for working with 529 plans:

• Decide whether you'll find your own plan or hire an adviser. Advisers cost a lot more.

• If you have a particular investment manager in mind, hunt for that company's plans at www.savingforcollege.com.

• Once you get a short list of nominees, the same Web site will help you compare costs and investment results.

For do-it-yourselfers

•  Look for investment philosophies that fit your needs and your tolerance for risk.

•  Joe Hurley on costs: Anything below 0.8 percent is on the inexpensive side. 0.8 percent to 1.2 percent is moderate. Above 1.2 percent is expensive.

•  Top-ranked plans include Utah, Nevada (Vanguard), Michigan, University of Alaska, Alaska (T. Rowe Price), Delaware, New York direct-sold.

For broker-assisted buyers

•  Questions to ask your adviser: How will you be paid for giving this advice or endorsing plans? What makes your recommended plan better than others? Are you free to recommend plans from other fund companies?

• Top-ranked plans include Virginia CollegeAmerica.

• Read more "Bank on Hank" columns