This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Allow your kids the opportunity to control their futures
If I could do it again, I would pay for my school by myself. My education is my responsibility. It’s not my parents; it’s up to me whether I want to better my future with education, not theirs.
How I Paid For School
There are three ways I funded my education. But the primary was through student loans.
Student Loans
Scholarships
Work
Student Loan Tangent
Though I don’t recommend taking out student loans, if you are a financially responsible person, it’s a good way to go.
I knew I would never allow student loans to negatively affect my finances, and they never have.
For example, I paid off my parent plus loan early so my mother wouldn’t have to think about it. Futhermore, one of the first actions I took after acquiring a full time job was ensuring my net worth was positive, and I could pay off my student loans at any point if I wanted to.
(It doesn’t always make sense to pay off student loans early if they have siginifantly low interest rates. It often makes more sense to invest your money, to build wealth more quickly).
I had a job every single year through college. Sometimes I had multiple jobs. Whether your degree program is rigorous or not, you can allocate a little time each week to work to earn money.
Another option is to take lighter loads so you can work and go to school simultaneously.
Student loans will weigh down the average person. To avoid this, take out fewer student loans and work through school so you’re not deluged by student debt.
Getting Financial Help Can Go Two Ways
Some kids who did receive help from their parents to pay for their school are financially struggling today. They don’t have the same independent spirit as others who had to pay their way through school.
I’ve also seen people with full scholarships and free rides blow it all for nothing. But I’ve also seen people who had to pay their way through school and not finish. Paying your way through school doesn’t determine you’ll succeed; it’s still an active choice you have to make.
I remember telling myself, “You can skip a few classes here and there, but you’re going to finish this f*cking school out, and while you’re at it, you’re going to get three degrees to make it worth it.”
I don’t know why I had this mindset, but I did. There was no way I would take out student loans for college and not finish – even though I see people do it all the time. Not only is it a wasted opportunity if you start school and don’t finish, but it’s wasted time and effort.
If you’re going to start school, finish. It’s one of the easiest things you can do if you focus.
Though degrees aren’t necessary today and might depreciate in value, they still don’t hurt you and can increase your earning potential.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.