How to plan for vacations and not be a jerk parent.

[Anonymous]

I’m a single parent and I used to love traveling. I haven’t been abroad since before my kid was born. I am mentally planning my trips for when my kid graduates. I’ve got 3 more years. If I were you, I’d wait to go on the international trips. College is $$$$ and it’s only getting more expensive every year. Just my 2 cents. GL!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks all, this is about what I expected.

ExDH makes 3-4x what I do and will have an inheritance of 2-3M, but he's made a point of 'punishing' me for divorcing him and, yes, he would extend it to the kids. So I can't count on it.

I'm thinking of earmarking an additional 50-100k per child from retirement, working longer, and holding off on any big vacations for 3-5 years. I actually love my job and expect to work longer, just being conservative. My field also tops out at 100k annually, so that's my max income.

It's just been a long and tough road to get here, but I need to just dig deeper for the next five years.

[Anonymous]

Oh and the kids are doing well in school, but you know this area. They are solid A/A- students in the AP classes they can take and good at sports but nothing that's going to be a major hook at college (travel soccer, tennis, crew). URM. It would be great if they could get some merit, not sure if we'll qualify for financial aid.