<p>^I totally agree with blossom here. Go easy on yourself, je ne sais quoi. You did the best you could do with the knowledge that you had. </p>
<p>I wanted to share this with everybody who thinks finances are an issue …</p>
<p>BY FAR the best advice I ever received regarding college applications was from a University of Tulsa admissions rep who spoke at my kids’ high school for what was advertised as an informational meeting. It was called something like, “Financial Considerations for College.” It supposedly wasn’t for U of Tulsa, specifically – though I’m guessing she gave the speech as a community outreach kind of deal with the hopes of bringing more applicants to U of Tulsa. A win-win!</p>
<p>Anyway, the advice that I am ever so grateful for was this (and she totally made it a foot-stomper, repeating it several times; it was the crux of the meeting; the meeting was advertised for parents of high school juniors, but all levels were welcome to attend): </p>
<p>“It is never too early to begin the College Finances discussion with your children. If your children are juniors right now, then you are behind! You MUST go home and have this discussion with them immediately! If you have children in middle school or older, begin these discussions immediately! YOU decide how much you’re willing and able to pay for their college education. And then TALK TO THEM about it. And keep talking to them about it. This will make your life and their life so much easier. And it will help to prevent major disappointments and a heck of a lot of arguing when they become high school seniors. Trust me. You MUST HAVE THIS TALK! And YOU MUST revisit this discussion repeatedly while they are in middle school and high school!” </p>
<p>Wow. I felt so lucky to have heard that advice. I don’t know that I would have had such thorough college-finance discussions with my kids if I hadn’t heard her speech! I have since counted my lucky stars on many occasions. In fact, it was this lady’s speech that had us put college finances ABOVE ALL ELSE when it was time to apply for college.</p>
<p>Finances first – college apps second – ultimate college choices based on college finances third. Easy peasy.</p>