<p>zantedeschia,
What a great attitude! You sound like my son. He knows that the only way we can send him to the college he has chosen is by working overtime and doing without some things. We are happy to do it, however, because he is a great kid. He lets us know how much he appreciates us, and that makes us feel like it is all worthwhile. After all, what's money? It can buy temporary pleasure, but it can't buy a strong, loving family. And it can't buy true happiness.</p>
<p>I agree with Susantm to some degree, but not entirely. Many families could work overtime and do without some things, and STILL not be able to afford to send all of their kids to their dream schools. Sometimes the wanting and the sacrifice are just not enough. But hugs to all parents who do the best they can for their kids!</p>
<p>My father is well to do. However both of my divorced parents capped my college fund long ago. I have a set amount that in reality for out of state will not even pay for 3 years of undergrad. My dad always tells me that if I have everything given to me I wont understand the value of work, money, etc. Even though it is frustrating to see him not investing in my education when he is on a beach in fiji, I guess I can see where he is coming from. Im a better person because of the way that my parents have raised me.</p>
<p>lkf725,
I do understand what you mean. There is absolutely NO way we could have afforded to send our first son to his dream school. We were VERY thankful that his dream school happened to be one that gave excellent need-based aid. He still had to take out some loans, and, of course, work summers, but he made it. My younger son will also have loans--more than his brother, because his school does not give as much aid, although he did get some. He will also work summers and perhaps during the school year. And we still are not sure we will be able to afford what we are expected to pay. We may have to take out loans ourselves. </p>
<p>I do realize that it does not work out for everyone, and I wish I could change the world so it does. I also know my son was willing to go to a cheaper school, if we could not manage this one. He was careful not to have a "dream school" because he knew finances would figure heavily into the decision. We think he is where he was meant to be, and we will do all within our power to help him through.</p>
<p>listen, after taxes, someone who makes 500,000 right off the bat looses 100,000 in taxes, mortage for a veryyyy expensive house is tremendous as well, 2 siblings in college--mad money, vet bills (my dog was sick, had 2 operations)...alrite, i know i am lucky, but trust me, don't ever judge a book by its cover. You never know if a family member is ill suffering from cancer or w.e. (extensive health bills) or if there is domestic problems...i mean, after all wealth does not equal happiness. BTW, when your parent makes an income in this level, colleges expect us to dish out the full price w. no financial aid wat so ever, there is no pt of me even to apply...b/c i know they will burn my application. You do the math, wat is 40,000 x 3 in one year, 120,000...with all of those other expenses. Good luck ppl.</p>
<p>Well if students are financial aid take part of the burden by summer job contributions, work study and loans than surely you can help out and lessen that.</p>
<p>no, people on this site are not generally wealthy..i've seen TONS of post from people regarding financial aid or how they are going to pay for college...such an assumption has no basis</p>
<p>yep, that should be the golden phrase of this thread. if you earn a high (higher than average) salary and are unhappy/in debt... you're obviously not spending wisely.</p>
<p>don't buy more than what you can pay for...</p>
<p>For those few of you who are whinging about how little you have at six-figure incomes, go to foodforthepoor.org and ModestNeeds.org and do a little self-education. Then maybe throw a tiny bit of cash in those directions on a monthly basis. You won't even notice the loss, but you'll gain a world of wisdom.</p>
<p>The point, collegekid, is that just because your income is skyhigh, doesn't mean your expenses have to go up with it. Big mortgage, new cars, "mad money", vacations, designer clothes--these are all choices.</p>
<p>We are paying full tuition (40,000+) on an income which is a fraction of yours. And happy that we can.</p>
<p>How? Both cars are over 10 years old; tiny house with small mortgage, public schools, discount store clothes, limited vacations, etc, etc. </p>
<p>Of course, money doesn't buy happiness, but it does buy college tuition.</p>
<p>my wardrobe is decked out with armani and lacoste, ive got a hummer, aston martin, porsche, and bentley in my 8-car garage, a 65-inch plasma in each bedroom, and i cant pay my bills from my $500000000000000000000000/yr salary.</p>
<p>well my dad didn't inherit one dime of what he earned. he is the hardest working dude i have ever seen and works like mad and went to school for a gazillion years to become what he is today--doctor.</p>