unequal money for unequal kids?

ucbalumnus
Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:10:08 +0000

Massmomm:

It has never occurred to us to spend equal amounts on each of our children. We just provide what they need when they need it.



Parents who have tight budget constraints may have to decide college budgets somewhat speculatively.

For example, as the first kid enters college, how much can they spend on the first kid without “unfairly” limiting subsequent kid(s)? In many cases, they may not know whether the subsequent kid(s) are likely to go to low cost school(s), or whether his/her academic goals and needs leave only higher cost choices available.

Given that these decisions may have to be made speculatively, it is easy to get them “wrong”. Of course, the decision becomes easier if the first kid chooses a low cost school, but what if the first kid finds that their academic goals and needs fit only high cost schools?