Gov. Dave Heineman has proclaimed September as "College Savings Month" in Nebraska, and is urging families to start investing early in the tax-advantaged plans.

Officials say more than 53,000 families in Nebraska are saving for a child's higher education through the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust, a state-sponsored 529 savings plan.

But Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg, who serves as the plan's trustee, says four out of 10 families of college-bound children today are not setting enough money aside for college.

Stenberg is inviting families to learn more about college savings by taking part in the second annual NESTFEST, a series of free outdoor festivals with entertainment, food, and activities. The festivals are scheduled for Oct. 6 in Gothenburg and Norfolk, and Oct. 13 in Grand Island.