I’d like to highlight Free Money Finance’s post today regarding the subject of “who pays for college.” My parents paid for our college tuition, so I grew up with this natural expectation: that parents help pay for their children’s education. And the study described in FMF’s post indicates that this is the case for most people. Parents have said that this is the biggest gift they could give their kids. Of course, if money is tight or a family’s circumstances are different, then other plans and financial arrangements are made. But the typical case I’ve seen involves people who’ve made the decision and the sacrifices to work themselves to the bone just to help get their kids through top notch schools. I have been amazed at learning about how some families have bonded together — grandparents, parents and the kids alike — for the common goal of getting the youngest ones to school. Those kids end up doing very well and helping their families in later years, a testament to familial connections and the perfect symbiotic relationship. In my mind, the combination of parental support, scholarships, grants, financial aid and contributions from the student himself (or herself) is an ideal approach for tackling the costs of college.
Great Reads From Last Week
- The Sun’s Financial Diary: If you’re on the market for a broker, make sure you check them out thoroughly before signing up with them!
- Money Smart Life: I love the subject of passive income and it’s been my goal to keep working at generating some.
- Lazy Man and Money: Want to save money via the web? Then try these tips.
- Gen X Finance: Here’s some hot commentary on a tempestuous topic covering labor unions.
- Money, Matter and More Musings: After reading this, I’m no longer signing the back of my credit cards. Instead sign the back of your card with “Ask for picture ID”.
- Mighty Bargain Hunter: Something a little different in the finance blogosphere: a movie review. It’s about America’s debt crisis.
- Five Cent Nickel: Wonders shall never cease. One such recent wonder is being able to manage your money on the go.
- Blueprint For Financial Prosperity: I really enjoyed these personal finance lessons brought to you by Jim and Monopoly.
- No Credit Needed: Get out of debt with this seriously cool illustration of the Debt Snowball method of debt reduction.
- The Simple Dollar: There were several posts by Trent this week that connected with me. The first was his very detailed plan for acquiring his dream home. I harbored the same dream as my primary goal for a long time but today, my main goal is to quit the rat race. Secondly, he brings up the debate on where the preferable place is to live: the city or the country? My resounding response is “the country”! I absolutely value the peace, quiet, fresh air, space, super dark nights and the sound of crickets, roosters and other wildlife that you get from being tucked in what could be recognized as the “middle of nowhere”.
Lastly, he discusses the backlash against frugality and dissects reasons for it.
- The Happy Rock: Do you find yourself wondering when you should replace your car? Here are some thoughts on this.
- Marketing Deviant: As David puts it, scarcity and the illusion of shortage is a powerful marketing tool.
- Decision Strategist: I want to congratulate The Decision Strategist for wiping out his credit card debt and making his final debt payment.
- How I Will Be Rich: Matt explores how you can set up a web site for cheap with some really good options.
Thanks to Arkansas Business for featuring my post on “how to sell your car.”
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[...] my total finance charges from over $300 per month to under $100. This has freed up funds to “snowball” into my next highest rate balance. I expect to be completely out of debt by the end of 2008. [...]