The cost of college has risen so high that many families are relying on two generations to help cover expenses.

There are the parents, who are increasingly saving in 529 college-savings plans, where earnings are tax-free if used for qualified educational expenses. Then there are the grandparents, who are joining in the mission to get children through college with less debt. They, too, are saving in 529 plans.

Here's the problem. Many grandparents become concerned that their 529 contributions will adversely affect their grandchildren in the federal financial-aid process.

Read more at The Washington Post.