<p>I'd say yes, we are as taxpayers are subsidizing housing. Those who have neg amortization, interest only, or very longterm loans on 0-very little downpay, are they not just rentors? Do renters get a tax break for having the same shelter?
Are we creating a moral hazard that encourages people to take a risk that they can walk away from? </p>
<p>The economy will be very interesting in 6-7 years when the 7 and 5 year fix to variable loans become variable, when student loans come off deferrment, when this War's bill come to be refinance, When I hit 62, and we are mid term of a new presidency.</p>
<p>I didnt read this entire thread, but i did read most of it. I am a student who has a single parent that will not pay for my education. She has not saved for my schooling, but rather for herself and her retirment. She came her over 20 years ago as an immigrant and she was able to work full time and graduate in 6 years. Even though i would rather have my schooling fully funded, i know it is not her responsibility for her to pay. I am over 18, she doesnt legally have to subsisize anything. To any parent that can't afford an elite school or any student that whines that they cant attend, i feel no pity. In reality, college is to learn, to grow and mature, its intention was not to be fun. If a student has to go to a community college or a state school, then that is what they must do. Dont whine and moan. Need money for college, take out loans, work part time or find a job with a company that helps you pay. Look at UPS, they give $4,000 a yr plus you can take a $4,000 loan out each year, and each year you work, the less you must repay, and by the end, the last year, the loan is totally free. Enter as many scholarship contests/programs as you can. If a student really wants to go to a certain college, i believe it is more their responsibility than anyone elses (such as the kid in the finaid forum that said his mother would sell there house so he could attend college...BS you should be ashamed)</p>
<p>I was thinking about CMU's FA program that mini, taxguy, NYT, et al comments. found this that probably too late for us with kids in school: Independent 529</p>
<p><a href="http://www.independent529plan.org/advantages.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.independent529plan.org/advantages.html</a></p>
<p>looks interesting and could take the risk out of normal 529, coverdell, UGMA, monetary and tuition inflation.</p>