Originally Posted by
BFMthisA10
^^^^^^^This right here.^^^^^^^
On the one hand, it's a tough discussion when you lay it on them that their higher education is on them. That's not what ANY of their friends are doing. It's not fair!
But, I cannot in good conscience deprive them of the responsibility for making the risk/reward/ROI decisions that higher education costs require. There's a wide range of education choices out there, from private/public schools, arts/STEM, trades, etc. The mainstream path of skyrocketing costs, loans, 529s, the idea that you MUST pay for your kid's school no matter where they choose to go, and probably the worst of all: entering school undeclared seconded only by changing majors; it's all a well crafted marketing ploy sucker-bet.
Only way to win is not to play.
find a good state run 529 plan and deposit $200/month. I’ve paid for two daughters and don’t regret setting them up for success and be debt free. The argument of “having skin in the game” might be useful for a lower/middle class family (don’t save for retirement let alone college) but doesn’t hold water if you’ll a WB FO or Captain when they turn college age... you can afford it or have your priorities messed up.