<p>Colmomto2, our children also heard “no” and “we’re on a budget” alot too. Even with only 1 of 3 still at home, we still do not have cable! ;)</p>
<p>But, we are much better off than my parents. Both were immigrants and made the astute decision to move their family of 4 children out of the city and to a small southern desert town in CA. My father joined my grandfather working in a small Chinese American cafe…and, eventually, bought out the partners. With only a junior high education, he managed to put all four of us through public state university! My mother was always at home for the children since there was a 19 yr age difference between me and my youngest sibling. She definitely had the “smarts,” and would’ve accomplished much had she attended college. Luckily, my father is a veteran of WWII and his VA health benefits are worth its weight in gold.</p>
<p>OTOH, H’s grandparents were successful business entrepreneurs and sent both of their sons (also immigrants) to college…and both have master degrees. My FIL retired early and most of the family investments are managed by his brother…H’s uncle. Needless to say, over time it has paid off handsomely. But, H’s parents live very simply. Their house and car are paid up. Now that they are nearing 80, they no longer travel far…mostly cruises and local sights. Oh, and of the 3 children, only H completed his degree…and, after we were married, he worked during the day and attended classes at night to earn his MS.</p>
<p>H & I took a different path with our daughters. We are products of the public schools…they have received private educations. It was a choice that we made and re-evaluated at the end of each school yr. Where did the time go to? 
How did we do it? Doing without, budgeting, luck, and some financial aid. Any regrets? Definitely not. H & I are forward looking people. Over 23 yrs ago, when I was pregnant with #1, H’s uncle told us to concentrate on saving for retirement first instead of saving for the baby’s education. With our retirement intact, and when the time came, we would be better prepared to send her to college. And, he was absolutely right! H & I have pensions and coverage for the health benefits. We consider ourselves very fortunate.</p>