Should I really save for my kid's college?

I realize that is a very bizzarre title.... let me explain...

I recently had a financial seminar at my office. The discussions included planning for retirement and for college. The person giving the seminar said, in no uncertain terms, that not a single cent should be put away for college. Every dime I can save should be put into my retirement accounts, starting with my 401K, and then followed by IRAs. If, after all of those were fully funded, there was anything left over, I could use that to save for college. Their rational was that I can borrow for a college education for my kids (or my kids could borrow for their education), but I could not and would not be able to borrow for my retirement!

Does this make any sense? The not being able to borrow for retirement seems to make sense, but it somehow just seems wrong.

Any thoughts?

Thanks....

It's not all that bizarre. Several financial planners I've interviewed for stories for Kiplinger.com have said the same thing.
That said, you really need to consider what you are comfortable with and what your financial situation looks like?
ARe you comfortable with the idea of having to borrow -- or making your child borrow-- to pay for college?
How's your retirement saving going -- hardly started or well on your way to meeting your goals? If you've got a healthy nest egg and don't plan on retiring any time soon, you might feel comfortable setting some aside for your child's education.

You might consider saving in a Roth IRA. Advisers who advocate saving for retirement vs. college often recommend this approach. The benefit of the Roth is that the money can be used for retirement, too. Each parent can contribute up to $3,000 a year. Contributions can be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free any time. Earnings used for qualified education expenses escape the 10% penalty for withdrawals before 59?, but will be taxed at the account owner's income tax rate.
However, Roths are not a great choice for anyone who expects significant financial aid. Roth income (withdrawals of both earnings and contributions) count on financial aid forms.

The good news is that you can talk to a financial planner about this tomorrow for FREE. Kiplinger's has teamed up with the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors to offer anyone the chance to call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 20 and March 5 and talk to a financial planner. The number is 888-919-2345.