The price spikes in gas and food are affecting spending for many families. We know some are giving up Starbucks and trading in their gas guzzlers. But some also are giving up on letting their kids go out of state for college - keeping them closer to home because of travel and other costs. Read more here.
I know many of us have younger kids, but with less money going into savings because we have to get to work and put food on the table, are you worried about giving your child the college experience they want or deserve? Do you think the economy will put more pressure on them to excel in school so they can land a coveted scholarship to help them get to the college of their (or our) dreams.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
I will help my kids as much
I will help my kids as much as possible, having them live at home until they're 30, if necessary....but, I worked my way through college and I figure that they can to...it builds character!
"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein
My husband worked his way
My husband worked his way through college and lived off tomato soup - or so he said. He really wanted to go to college. :) I supported myself with scholarships and living at home.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
We have started 529 plans
We have started 529 plans for our kids to help with the cost of college, but it won't come close to covering the entire cost.
I agree that trying for scholarships and working builds character and helps kids value their education. That's how my husband and I did it.
I too got through on
I too got through on scholarships, working, and employer-paid tution assistance.
Many of my friends who got a 'free ride' (all expenses paid) by parents ended up partying too much, sleeping through classes, or just not taking it seriously and dropped rather than graduating. So I think it's important to HELP kids with college, but they need to put in some 'sweat equity' of their own.
In life, we always place a higher value on something we WORK for rather than something that was just handed to us!
New to AZ --- and missing autumn leaves and the smell of apple orchards!
Living at home made it
Living at home made it difficult to get too crazy. Besides, I really wasn't a partier or aspired to be.
But I also saw a lot of friends who didn't take their education seriously - possibly partly because mom and dad took care of everything.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
This is a concern that's
This is a concern that's constantly on my mind - especially lately because it just struck me that my oldest will be graduating from high school in 6 years! And we've saved only a fraction of what college will cost - and saving that fraction is a struggle for us. I do agree my son will have to pay for part of college - through loans, scholarships (hopefully) and working. But for all of you who worked your way through college - keep it mind that it was less expensive back then (for me, it was WAY back when - but we won't get into that!). From what I remember reading recently college tuition has increased more than the rate of inflation - so loans & working your way through won't be as easy as it once was. Of course, it will be a lot more affordable if our kids go to a state school in Arizona. But it's my dream that my son have some choice.
Lattemom is the mother of three energetic kids ages 6, 8 & 12 and a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com.
We are certainly discussing
We are certainly discussing with our children that it is much easier for them to work harder in school than it is to put $80,000 in the bank after taxes, mortgage, utilities, food, clothes, etc. They fully understand the need to apply themselves. If they do their best and do not get a scholarship, we can get loans, etc. But, we are amazed at their grades with all honor classes. They do have their future goals in their sights!
soccermom of a 12 yr old boy and 15 yr old young lady