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A co-worker and I were discussing school.

The idea of college did not enter their minds but affording a car did. I was literally confused.

Right or wrong I wasn't given an option and I would not have been given a car.

I couldn't say anything without coming off judgemental but I wonder why? Education can only help and I have seen first hand people who go back at a later time dedicated but if the reasoning is they can't afford college than how can they afford a car? New too.

It has been bothering me -my friend says it is values but I think the values of wanting the best for your kids is in both but then what is the difference- I couldn't explain it because it was so logical to save a pay for even one semester etc over no college courses.

[This message edited by fireproof at 5:20 PM, August 5th (Tuesday)]

Maybe her child doesn't want to go to college? Maybe they have been interning in a trade? College is not the best fit for everyone. Otherwise???

Are you talking about buying a car for the kid?

I have a co-worker with three kids that are all in college. Each kid is paying their own way through school, but he and his wife gave them each a reliable car and pay for their insurance and give them room and board, etc.

Each kid has a job and money in the bank, and by having to pay for it themselves, they are invested in their grades

It works for them

I would never have forced my son to go to college. He hated school, and I was sure he was going to go off to Las Vegas when he graduated...

He had to figure it out for himself. He got his dream job right out of high school and it took several years before it finally sunk in that he needed to get a degree. Luckily, his company paid for it.

Some new cars cost a hell of a lot less than a quality college/university education these days.

And with a reliable vehicle the kid can get a job to help pay for their education.

I'm just glad I don't have to get my degree today vs 22 years ago. Back then I bought a car (new) and paid my college expenses myself. And could afford it all on a part time job. Can't do that today.

Good points! It just confused me because I didn't understand how they had the funds for one and not the other.

Yes college these days could buy you a home.

I just never heard someone talk about what they coukd afford and what they couldn't in one sentence.

Learning to understand first without jumping in

I know too many people without college educations that have struggled when looking for a new job. A lot of places won't even consider hiring you without a degree.

Is it absolutely necessary? No. It's more valuable in some fields than others.

But I will certainly encourage any future kids of mine to attend, unless it's clear that it would be a waste of time and money for all. I wouldn't care what they wanted to study, but I think the experience is invaluable.

My mom helped with college costs to the extent she could, and I have financed every car I have purchased on my own.

I understand people wanting to help their kids, but there is nothing that teaches the value of a dollar quite like earning/spending your own.

I'm with you.

I think the auto market has become so ridiculously inflated that it skews people's perception. It's not unusual for people to pay more for their cars than their retirement, health care or education.

A lot of people have bought into the hype that buying a car that is over two years old is unsafe, and a car that isn't under warranty is an expensive liability.

I’m not saying cars aren’t helpful, or in many cases necessary, but they are a depreciating asset, and most people could do just fine with a lesser vehicle.

Fact is, not all college degrees are worthwhile.

Graduating with a worthless degree and a crapton of student loans is worse than using that time to build seniority in a trade or job.

http://www.amazon.com/Higher-Education-Bubble-Encounter-Broadside/dp/1594036659

A college degree is not a guarantee of a job.

In a lot of America, a reliable car is necessary to get and keep a job.

There are fields where the degree is important, or the credential is required, but it's not clear to me that "you must go to college" is good advice to someone who doesn't have the drive to say "I must go to college".