[Noah930]

Another topic where we try to make personal policies to cover all situations, but where so much of life is variable. Every kid is different. Different scholastic abilities, values, personalities, levels of maturity, aspirations, etc. And each family/set of parents will have different financial situations, lifestyles, expectations, etc.

But if you have the means, why not help your kid? In 18 years, a private 4-year college is supposed to cost over $300K. Why stick your kid with that kind of potential debt before they've even gotten a job? We jealously hate how the "rich kids" have got all the unfair advantages in life. Heck, why not join them? Or at least help your kids join them. Paying your kids' way through college doesn't mean they'll pi$$ it away to partying. Teach them proper values beforehand, and it might mitigate the situation.

I'm not suggesting that kids should have nothing invested in covering the costs of their educations. But I am suggesting that a blanket policy of not paying for anything to help your kids after age 18 (or whatever) is a bit silly. See what the kid is like. See what your finances are. You want your kids to be successful, right?