HONOLULU -- Here are a few tips on how you can deal with losing money for college from some Hawaii financial planners.

The government is allowing you to make two changes to your 529 plan this year because of the current economy. Look at how to diversify your investments according to how much time you have before you need to spend the money.

If you will need the money in the next three to five years, don't invest it in the stock market. That is for longer-term investments. Instead, put your money in short-term bonds. If you have more time to invest, and you have a reasonably diverse portfolio, leave it alone.

Contact the college's financial aid office and ask if they can reconsider now that your circumstances have changed.

If you are in dire circumstances, you can attend a community college until things improve.

Students, consider getting a job to help offset the costs.

Find out what it takes to get residency for attending out-of-state schools.