More than 11 million families are saving for college using a 529 savings plan. Those plans have suffered big losses along with the rest of the stock market, creating a dilemma for parents whose kids are headed to college in the next five years. How do you invest your 529 funds today to make up for recent losses, yet not put yourself at risk of losing even more as college fast approaches?

Today, the Dolans help one family decide the best way to invest in their 529 savings plan.

Dear Ken and Daria,

We've lost a great deal from our 529 College Savings Plan during the recent recession. What are the best ways to recoup some of the money before our child goes to college?
--Janet

To learn more about how to use 529 college savings plans, visit Dolans.com.