College Funds for 4 ???

[Roof On The Peach Shed]

My husband & I have been Roloff fans for a couple of years now, and it's our favorite show. Currently, our biggest concern for the family is whether or not they have college funds saved for the four kids. On one of the episodes about the latest massive home addition, Amy asked Matt about college accounts, and to me he seemed vague and sidestepped the issue. With all the money they've spent on adding unnecessary extras to the farm, they probably could have saved enough money for 4 complete college educations by now. I can appreciate Matt's imagination & drive, but this latest venture of getting out of control with a home addition right before it's time to send 2 & soon 3 kids to college seems over the top to me. I wish that Amy could be more informed of their financial details and have more input on big decisions.

[Mrs.Sawyer]

My husband & I have been Roloff fans for a couple of years now, and it's our favorite show. Currently, our biggest concern for the family is whether or not they have college funds saved for the four kids. On one of the episodes about the latest massive home addition, Amy asked Matt about college accounts, and to me he seemed vague and sidestepped the issue. With all the money they've spent on adding unnecessary extras to the farm, they probably could have saved enough money for 4 complete college educations by now. I can appreciate Matt's imagination & drive, but this latest venture of getting out of control with a home addition right before it's time to send 2 & soon 3 kids to college seems over the top to me. I wish that Amy could be more informed of their financial details and have more input on big decisions.

How do you know they don't have completed college funds? Knowing Amy as we do, do you think she's just a pushover when it comes to things taking place in her own home?

Reality TV, gotta love it! ;)

[gap134]

Personally I think the only one that will go to college is Molly.

[cutefamily]

We are making our 3 children pay for college. They can take out student loans and pay when they finish school. Mommy and Daddy don't always have the funds to put their kids through college.

[gap134]

We are making our 3 children pay for college. They can take out student loans and pay when they finish school. Mommy and Daddy don't always have the funds to put their kids through college.

I think you are on the right track there Cute. I am not sure about the student loan part. I wouldn't want to have a $50,000 loan pay back waiting for me when I got out of school.

I had to work while going to college. Part of my tuition was covered, but I had to pay the other half, plus rent and food. The thought of dropping a class, never crossed my mind after I paid for it.

[cutefamily]

I think you are on the right track there Cute. I am not sure about the student loan part. I wouldn't want to have a $50,000 loan pay back waiting for me when I got out of school.

I had to work while going to college. Part of my tuition was covered, but I had to pay the other half, plus rent and food. The thought of dropping a class, never crossed my mind after I paid for it.

We had alot of college fund money set up for our children until 9/11 came along. My husband was laid off after the attacks and that threw us in limo. In the end we sold our home, and moved away. Not without having to use the college fund money. There was no way around it. My husband is the nicest guy you will ever meet, but making the kids pay for college is a life long lesson they can be proud of. My husband said all his brothers and sisters had to work and go to college and share expenses and they all made it just fine. I personally like the idea! :thumb:

Good job Gap! I am glad you did what you did to make it through school. It's wonderful and I wish more could say they did it too by themselves.:-P

[mountaingal]

Some of our schools out here in the East have work on campus for tuition payments although most of our kids take out loans and get Federal Grants and Scholarships from other sources. I finally finished paying off all my loans in fact the other day I made the last payment and I am in my early 50's but I have to tell you it was worth every penny. Now since I work in the system any classes I may want to take to keep abreast of the subjects I teach are free to myself and other educators.
I worked my way through college cleaning toilets and wiping bare rear ends- hard work but satisfying no less. I agree with others about kids paying their own college tuition. If you want something bad enough you will work hard to get it then be rewarded in life. Most of my kids whom I teach are from down in New York City and they are very spoiled kids from wealthy families. They have everything handed to them on a gold plate by their parents so they expect outsiders to do the same. I don't tolerate their high and mighty crap in my classes and my introductory speech first day of classes is if they expect to be a slacker and breeze through my classes because of their money and social standing there is the exit door. After teaching for years I can smell and pick out these kids the minute I see them. Everyone in my classes get an equal opportunity to get good grades and I know those who have to work extra hard for grades and those that don't have to work hard. I give the benefit of the doubt grading on curves too.
What I don't tolerate is the Muffys and Skippies who Parents think they can buy their kids way through college especially if the kid is more interested in partying than coming to class.

[gap134]

.....I finally finished paying off all my loans in fact the other day I made the last payment and I am in my early 50's but I have to tell you it was worth every penny......

I never had to take out a student loan, so I am fairly ignorant on the matter. Are you only required to pay back the student loan if you are working?

[teaching2athome]

Paying for college themselves (or part) will make them stronger in the long run.

I had to work my way though college, and it took me longer than "normal" but in the end I know I earned it.

My step-sister had a fund for college and could pay for any college....she went to the university for 2 years, dropped classes, didn't attend most and generally screwed up and said to us that she would just retake the classes another semester. Well, she knew the money was NOT from her pocket and didn't apprectiate it. She is trying to talk her way into getting the rest of the money to spend on a house. I highly doubt she will ever get her degree.

I really believe that you value what you work to pay for.

[DisruptiveSpirit]

Yup. Student loans is what I did when I went to trade school and what hubby did when he went to college.

We are making our 3 children pay for college. They can take out student loans and pay when they finish school. Mommy and Daddy don't always have the funds to put their kids through college.

[DisruptiveSpirit]

And, knowing Molly and her grades, she may get a scholarship.

[RayRay]

I think Molly and Zach will go to college definately....Jeremy I don't see going....and I'm not sure about Jacob yet. I think he will be more like Jeremy though.

[Maui for me]

I agree that having college totally paid is too easy. My granddaughter has tried twice just to not have to work. It has cost her parents thousands of dollars and she decides each time it is not for her. They appreciate what they have to work for.

I like what my dear friends parents did to him.... they told him he had to pay his way through college and he got student loans to pay for it. The minute he graduated, they paid off the loans. They made sure he really wanted to go to college.

[cutefamily]

All of you make me so proud reading this thread. I like how everyone seems to have the understanding that kids will be better off in the long run paying for their own schooling. 8)

So many people on here did it and all I can say is good for you!!!:mrgreen:
If nobody told you this before: I am proud of all of you who went to school and worked and or paid off your student loans! :thumb: I know we had student loans for half of our married life. It sure was great paying them of in full and to rid of paying for them anymore. :mrgreen:

[RayRay]

Well I'm not there yet but I know that I'm going to have to pay for some of my university/college education because I want to be a vet and being a vet is very expensive. So hopefully Amy and Matt will only pay for some if any of their college educations to teach them to work for what they get and make them grateful for going to college.

[Riggs]

yea, I think your right DS, Molly should be able to get a great scholarship, as she is a bright and smart girl, and of course there is sport scholarships she can do as well...

[Lprdgecko]

I'll officially be a senior in high school in 3 days. I'm the guinea pig of the family. I'm the oldest child, and neither of my parents went to college. So, when I go off to college in a year or so, we'll find out if we did everything right lol.

My parents have a college fund saved up for me and my brother. They told us that if we get a full-ride scholarship, the money that's been in the bank since we were born is ours. So, that's a good incentive for me lol.

[cutefamily]

I'll officially be a senior in high school in 3 days. I'm the guinea pig of the family. I'm the oldest child, and neither of my parents went to college. So, when I go off to college in a year or so, we'll find out if we did everything right lol.

My parents have a college fund saved up for me and my brother. They told us that if we get a full-ride scholarship, the money that's been in the bank since we were born is ours. So, that's a good incentive for me lol.

Sounds fair to me! Good for you! Make your grades #1 and all the schools will want you and you could get a full ride! Then you can go shopping and or buy your own place! :razz:

[DisruptiveSpirit]

Sounds like a great deal Lprd!

[Maui for me]

Good for you gecko, it sounds like you have a great head on your shoulder

[Riggs]

Ditto with Maui's Response

[Roof On The Peach Shed]

I appreciate all the replies and responses and have the greatest respect for anyone who works to earn a degree/trade/skill on his or her own. It’s one of the most difficult and worthwhile feats one can accomplish. However, I also don’t think it’s fair to assume that all those whose parents help them pay for their education are rich, spoiled, ungrateful and less likely to graduate. After reading the responses, this is sounding like the general consensus to me.

Evidently, I am a small minority because I come from an extended, middle-middle class family full of school teachers where each generation works hard and makes sacrifices to send the next generation to college. It’s actually considered to be an honor and a duty rather than a foolish waste. My parents have always told me that the way I pay them back for my education is by educating my own kids. [I guess the childless ones in our family get off easy! ;0) ] To date, all of my cousins and I have worked hard to graduate as fast and as well as we could because we knew that if we didn’t, not only our parents, but all the aunts, uncles and grandparents would come down on us as well. This may mean that we all have weaker characters because we’re relying on outside motivation rather than inner motivation. Who knows?

Anyway, I stand by my opinion (& that’s all it is -- my opinion) that if you do have extra funds (as the Roloffs do) it is much better to “spoil” your kids by helping them earn a degree/trade/skill that will last a lifetime than to lavish them with temporary, material things or to spend the money on luxuries. I wanted to discuss this topic because Amy herself expressed concern about it on an episode. The Roloffs may indeed already have college funds & all of you are right in saying that the kids can survive without them.

By the way, while my husband was in college, his dad was laid off and unable to help him. We both spent several years paying off his loans. I, personally, will be grateful to my parents until the day I die that we did not have to pay off 2 sets of loans. Also, I think it is wise to avoid whatever debt can be avoided, including college debt. I am not talking about situations where it is not possible for parents to help their kids go to college. I’m also not talking about supporting “professional students” who want to hang out & waste time & money.

I know this was long, but there appeared to be only one point of view in all the responses, and I found that very surprising. Also, know that I am happy & relaxed as I write this. It’s not intended to be an angry, defensive rant! ;0)

[aok351]

I think you make your point well Roof, I think Matt and Amy are concerned for their childrens education as was shown by the Sylvan learning center episode. I believe that the Roloff's probably have set aside plenty of money for the kids education. I don't "know" this, but I think the Roloffs are much better off then TLC would have us belive.

[Maui for me]

I totally respect you and your opinion. There are so many different circumstances involved. I did not want to go to college even though I had honors at entrance. I went for a year and a half to please my parents. I did learn enough to make a living for myself, but it was not fair to my parents because I absolutely wasted the second year. I just feel it is important for kids to want the education. They should not be forced and should not go just to escape having to start earning their own way in life. It sounds like you have a wonderful family with wonderful values. That is why I so admire my friends parents who just paid everything off after he earned it on his own.

[jgirly]

I appreciate all the replies and responses and have the greatest respect for anyone who works to earn a degree/trade/skill on his or her own. It’s one of the most difficult and worthwhile feats one can accomplish. However, I also don’t think it’s fair to assume that all those whose parents help them pay for their education are rich, spoiled, ungrateful and less likely to graduate. After reading the responses, this is sounding like the general consensus to me.

Evidently, I am a small minority because I come from an extended, middle-middle class family full of school teachers where each generation works hard and makes sacrifices to send the next generation to college. It’s actually considered to be an honor and a duty rather than a foolish waste. My parents have always told me that the way I pay them back for my education is by educating my own kids. [I guess the childless ones in our family get off easy! ;0) ] To date, all of my cousins and I have worked hard to graduate as fast and as well as we could because we knew that if we didn’t, not only our parents, but all the aunts, uncles and grandparents would come down on us as well. This may mean that we all have weaker characters because we’re relying on outside motivation rather than inner motivation. Who knows?

Anyway, I stand by my opinion (& that’s all it is -- my opinion) that if you do have extra funds (as the Roloffs do) it is much better to “spoil” your kids by helping them earn a degree/trade/skill that will last a lifetime than to lavish them with temporary, material things or to spend the money on luxuries. I wanted to discuss this topic because Amy herself expressed concern about it on an episode. The Roloffs may indeed already have college funds & all of you are right in saying that the kids can survive without them.

By the way, while my husband was in college, his dad was laid off and unable to help him. We both spent several years paying off his loans. I, personally, will be grateful to my parents until the day I die that we did not have to pay off 2 sets of loans. Also, I think it is wise to avoid whatever debt can be avoided, including college debt. I am not talking about situations where it is not possible for parents to help their kids go to college. I’m also not talking about supporting “professional students” who want to hang out & waste time & money.

I know this was long, but there appeared to be only one point of view in all the responses, and I found that very surprising. Also, know that I am happy & relaxed as I write this. It’s not intended to be an angry, defensive rant! ;0)


I agree with you. It's never fair to generalize about anything. I have a scholarship that covers my tuition as long as my grades stay up, and my parents are paying room and board. Before I started college, I offered to pay it myself, but they wouldn't take "no" for an answer. I have worked in college and offered to put that money towards the costs, but they won't take it, so I've saved it, invested it, etc. That's the honest truth. I have all the respect in the world for anyone who has to work through college, and I prepare myself all the time for the possibility.


I think with my parents it was that my brothers, who are much older than me, went to college and dropped out because they had to pay for it themselves and didn't really want to be there, and my parents wanted at least one of us to finish. My brothers have both gone back since to finish their degrees, with some help from my parents too. Another thing is that my parents came into some money when my mom and her siblings sold the 120-acre farm they inherited from my grandparents (God, I miss that place), and that's what they wanted to use it on--that and house repairs and buying a car for my mom. :)


So, believe me when I say it's appreciated. I have had some personal stuff going on that's made the two years of college more difficult, but I refuse to let it keep me from being happy and determined.

[Mrs.Sawyer]

I think you make your point well Roof, I think Matt and Amy are concerned for their childrens education as was shown by the Sylvan learning center episode. I believe that the Roloff's probably have set aside plenty of money for the kids education. I don't "know" this, but I think the Roloffs are much better off then TLC would have us belive.


exactly, and for what it's worth (not much) if I had the money I would definitely pay for them to go to school. I wouldn't want them to pay off debt their whole lives. If I had kids :mrgreen:

[DisruptiveSpirit]

I most definitely do NOT feel that is true. I say if there are families out there that are well off and can and want to give their children the money for college then that's awesome. I do not and would not ever think them spoiled because of that.

I'm just saying that people can still get an education even if their parents don't give them money to do so.

This is also one of the things that kills me with the military and why some people choose to join. Some say they join because they claim it was the only way they could ever get an education. I say BS! To me that should NEVER be the only (or major) reason to join. The military is a far more serious job than that. And, there are always grants and student loans you can get in order to get an education.

And, ivy leagues schools aren't the only schools out there. Community colleges are just as good and far cheaper. People just need to explore their options before making rash decisions.


.....However, I also don’t think it’s fair to assume that all those whose parents help them pay for their education are rich, spoiled, ungrateful and less likely to graduate. After reading the responses, this is sounding like the general consensus to me.

[Maui for me]

Every family and circumstance is different. It is great when parents help those kids who do want a higher education. I am sure that the Roloff's will help those who want to go to college. I doubt all four will make that choice.

We need our manual laborers and professional technicians and journeymen. I worked for a large casino in Laughlin, NV. While I was in middle management, if the housekeepers had not kept our property clean, no one would have wanted to come there. Isn't it great that there are so many choices....

My daughter who did not have CF is a college graduate and chose to follow me into accounting. I am very proud of her and of the adult and mother she has become.