<p>I don't think getting a new roof- windows doors etc is getting a new home.
Roof is maintainance. Windows doors can be energy saving/safety related. In fact our utility company encourages and aids homeowners to improve their homes by upgrading windows and doors.
Same with siding- water prblems/rot can necessitate a lot of work.
We had to take out a home equity loan in order to free up equity that the school expected us to access, might as well do some work to make the house salable while we were at it.
I don't know why people would complain about others upgrading their homes, doesn't that increase the value of your own?</p>
<p>"You are correct. Divorced families learn how to play the "game"."</p>
<p>I sure didn't - but that is because I did not insist that my guys apply to FAFSA only schools. Oh well, it could be soooooooooo much worse!</p>
<p>to the OP:</p>
<p>Our middle income family does not feel screwed. Our income is a bit below $100K, and we have been very frugal - old house, old cars, no fancy trips, no cars for kids, public HS, no test-prep classes. We have saved and put enough money aside for the kids' educations at in-state schools, our retirement (coming in 5 years!), and in other accounts that are out there for the government and college FA departments to see.</p>
<p>My D was in the same situation as yours was three years ago when her first choice elite school (which does not give merit aid) did not give her any FA (need-based aid). She was sad for a while, and then accepted the admission offer of a different elite school that offered her merit aid. This scholarship, plus the tuition remission from H's work, meant that no one would have to take out loans for her college education.</p>
<p>This year my S got admitted to his first choice elite school, which happens to have the brand-new FA enhancements for middle income families. His attendance there will cost about the same as our expensive ($28+K COA) in-state flagship that he would have happily attended if he hadn't gotten in the elite school. The money we saved for his college education will all be spent, we will have no loans, and we are ecstatic about it.</p>
<p>We feel so fortunate. Of course, in addition to good luck, our kids worked extremely hard in HS to qualify for their admissions and awards.</p>