College

It used to be that a college degree could take you places. College graduates were almost guaranteed a job that paid well enough to live on upon graduation. But nowadays, that no longer seems to be the case. Graduates are fighting with the unemployed and underemployed of the older generations for jobs – any jobs – even if it's not in their area of study. Does that mean that college is no longer worth the cash? Well, at the danger of over-using a favorite MomVesting phrase, let's go ahead and say it: It depends.

Join our guest blogger Mitchell Pauly for a serious topic with some hilarious twists: The Purpose of College.

“There is a time and place for everything…and it’s called college.” -Chef (South Park)

There was never a doubt in my mind that I would go to college. My mom drilled it into my head so much that I was a little flabbergasted by friends who decided to forego the undergraduate experience. Why would anyone decide to skip college? I thought a university education was the only way to get ahead.

Now, older (and wiser? — that’s still up for debate), I see that many of the friends who decided not to attend college don't seem to have paid much of a price for their decision. Their life looks awfully similar to mine, and they don’t earn a lick less than I do.

Thinking about saving money for the future these days is a bit like getting your child to eat veggies after they turn two.  Both scenarios can be difficult for parents, despite the fact that both really are in the best interest of all parties involved.  Eventually, though, Junior will eat something of solid nutritional value on his own without your prompting, hair pulling, or begging.  Saving some of your income can also be painless, easy, and certainly beneficial.  In our ongoing series of great accounts for your money, we bring you a bit on College Savings Accounts. 

All of us would like to have a feeling of security and control over our finances. So, what’s keeping us from getting there? The idea that you have to make a lot to save a lot is a myth. Whether you make $15,000 or $1.5 million, you can save and invest for your future. Just as with any great journey, sometimes the only thing holding you back is getting started. And my guess is you're already investing more than you think!