My daughter graduates high school this year and I've felt extremely guilty for not being able to help her financially with college next year. I certainly would continue to house and feed her while she goes to school, but I don't think that's what she'll choose. She knows how much we are struggling financially and wants to ease that burden by moving out so we can get a smaller place. I have no idea what I did to deserve such a loving child.

Combined, my hubby and I owe more than $120,000 in student loans, which are in default because we don't have jobs that would allow us to pay the exhorbent amount that they want. I don't blame my parents for that debt. It was completely our own stupidity. Hubby's parents offered to pay tuition and books, but he wouldn't accept because there were always too many strings attached. My parents just didn't have the money to help much, and quite frankly were of the mindset that I should take care of myself.

I do NOT want my daughter to take student loans at all. I think they are poison. Her current plan is to move in with her grandparents who live near a community college. They have saved some money for her school, but due to the market, it isn't much anymore. They also can offer her a part time job and are giving her a car for graduation. I know that they will also cover tuition and books if need be. I've not always gotten along with my in-laws, but in this case, all I can say is ....Thanks so much for helping her when we can't. They also paid for her braces a few years ago.

On another thought - colleges are too expensive now and a bachelor's degree is no guarantee of a job. Unfortunately, that leads many to graduate programs...more expense and still no guarantee of a job. Despite working for one, I don't like what colleges are becoming. I hate that advisors are continuing to encourage people to get more and more education that they can't actually use. It's a big money pit.