As my son gets bigger and taller and smarter, college costs are constantly on my mind. It occurs to me that the biggest frugal win is not to have to pay for college. That makes ensuring your child has a good education the most frugal thing a parent can do.
If you are a parent with young children, this means you need to start investing into your children now. Spend time at the kitchen table making sure your children’s homework is done and that they understand the assignments. Teach them how to organize their notebooks and to organize their thoughts and put them down on paper. As they get older, encourage them to decide what they want to do when they grow up and get them started on unique learning experiences that will lead them on their way.
This may mean paying for music lessons, art lessons, specialty summer camps and more. While these activities may not seem frugal, a few hundred dollars paid for activities of your children can save many thousand dollars when your child turns 18.
If this isn’t an argument for saving your pennies on items like cleaning supplies, clothing, and food, I don’t know what is. Get ahead in the long run by spending a little extra now. Invest your money and time in your child now, and you will get off scott-free later.
I am still on the road to this quest, and so I cannot boast success. I have, however, witnessed many frugal families who spent their time and money on their kids to not have to pay a cent for college.
Of course you can also get out of paying for college by just not paying for it and having the child work their way through college. But the first option will be appreciated in the long run.
also read:
How to Find College Scholarships
Grant and Scholarship Advice for Homeschoolers