Every once in a while, you reach a milestone in your financial journey that doesn’t just feel good—it feels right.
Here’s mine: None of my children have student debt. Not a single one. Not now, not looming around the corner. They’ve each walked into adulthood on their own terms, without the weight of tuition bills and loan balances chained to their ankles. I couldn’t be more proud.
Now, I know not everyone in the BAD community has cheered this decision. (And I promise, I see your point especially with my crazy rollercoaster of a job history the last several years.) Some have questioned my choice to financially support my kids through their post-high school education paths. I’ve seen the side-eyes, the subtle digs, the “they are going to have to support you!” And to all of that, I say: I hear you. But I also stand by my choice 100%.
The Kids’ Paths
Because here’s the truth: giving my kids a launchpad, without debt, is a gift I chose to give with my eyes wide open. And yes, each of their paths has looked different.
- Beauty and History Buff both explored college and post-secondary education for several years. Neither ended up completing a degree, but they each walked away with invaluable life experience and no financial burden trailing them. That matters.
- Sea Cadet pursued a more vocational route, becoming a certified firefighter and EMT. These accomplishments that would make anyone proud. Now, he’s back in school, working toward a bachelor’s degree with the ultimate goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. The man has a plan, and he’s working it, step by step. (Americorp and his current employer are covering his tuition 100% so no mom support needed now.)
- Princess, ever the go-getter, is just a week away from graduating with her Bachelor’s in Finance. She already has a post-grad job lined up, and yes, I will be crying at her graduation, likely while calculating how much money I’m not spending on her living expenses and tuition anymore.
- And then there’s Gymnast-still figuring out what comes next, and that’s completely okay. I’ve told him I’ll support whatever path he chooses, if and when he decides to pursue higher education. Personally, I think he’d make a fantastic realtor. He’s charming, smart, and doesn’t blink under pressure. But I’m staying in my lane. Well, mostly.
This Chapter is Closing for Me
Each of my children has chosen their own direction. Some have zigged, some have zagged. And not one of them has to start their adult lives under a mountain of educational debt. That’s not luck. That’s a decision I made, a priority I stuck to, and a burden I carried…gladly.
And now, with Princess’s four-year degree chapter coming to a close, I’ll admit: I’m breathing a little easier. I’m deeply grateful that this season of paying for tuition, books, housing, meal plans, surprise fees, and everything in between… is over.
I’m proud of my kids. I’m proud of the support I gave. And yes, I’m proud of me, too.
This blog is about debt, but it’s also about values. And I’ll always believe that setting your kids up for a debt-free start in life, whatever their path may be, is a value worth investing in.
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