Merit aid.. help me out here

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, To answer another question. Yes. She applied for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA.

There is no way I can pay what they calculate at our EFC. I wonder how they come up with that number. I mean, it’s not a matter of if I’m frugal and don’t go on vacation and keep driving my 5 year old car I can swing it. It’s like literally there is no way I can come up with that much money per year.

Then your daughter will have to take out loans. And/or choose a less expensive school. You do realize when you say 5 year old car it makes you look a bit absurd as a 5 year old car is very new to many of us.

oh, ffs.

Well, it IS true for us. Both cars are sixteen years old and we're going to continue to drive them into the ground until the last kid graduates and NOT from an expensive private institution.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, To answer another question. Yes. She applied for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA.

There is no way I can pay what they calculate at our EFC. I wonder how they come up with that number. I mean, it’s not a matter of if I’m frugal and don’t go on vacation and keep driving my 5 year old car I can swing it. It’s like literally there is no way I can come up with that much money per year.

Then your daughter will have to take out loans. And/or choose a less expensive school. You do realize when you say 5 year old car it makes you look a bit absurd as a 5 year old car is very new to many of us.

oh, ffs.

Well, it IS true for us. Both cars are sixteen years old and we're going to continue to drive them into the ground until the last kid graduates and NOT from an expensive private institution.

And if you drive it into the ground before the last kid graduates, you’ll.... walk? Or maybe you’ll get a new or new-to-you car. Actually, it can be quite expensive to keep 16 year old cars running. I’m glad you’re making decisions that work for you, 16-year-old-cars lady, but those decisions may not work for everyone in every circumstance. You know that, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t matter how predictable it is. If you don’t make enough money to save for college, you won’t have any savings. Only people with disposable income can’t understand how it is possible for someone to not have saved anything.

You can’t save if you keep spending.

And you can't save what you don't earn. Don't be an ass. People need a roof over their heads, clothes, transportation, utilities, and food. For most people in this country, this consumes all of their income -- if they are lucky they can put aside a little for retirement.

But most can't. Cut OP some slack.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, To answer another question. Yes. She applied for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA.

There is no way I can pay what they calculate at our EFC. I wonder how they come up with that number. I mean, it’s not a matter of if I’m frugal and don’t go on vacation and keep driving my 5 year old car I can swing it. It’s like literally there is no way I can come up with that much money per year.

Then your daughter will have to take out loans. And/or choose a less expensive school. You do realize when you say 5 year old car it makes you look a bit absurd as a 5 year old car is very new to many of us.

oh, ffs.

Well, it IS true for us. Both cars are sixteen years old and we're going to continue to drive them into the ground until the last kid graduates and NOT from an expensive private institution.

And if you drive it into the ground before the last kid graduates, you’ll.... walk? Or maybe you’ll get a new or new-to-you car. Actually, it can be quite expensive to keep 16 year old cars running. I’m glad you’re making decisions that work for you, 16-year-old-cars lady, but those decisions may not work for everyone in every circumstance. You know that, right?

don't be an a$$. My 16 yo car is much cheaper to own than a new car.

- np

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t matter how predictable it is. If you don’t make enough money to save for college, you won’t have any savings. Only people with disposable income can’t understand how it is possible for someone to not have saved anything.

You can’t save if you keep spending.

And you can't save what you don't earn. Don't be an ass. People need a roof over their heads, clothes, transportation, utilities, and food. For most people in this country, this consumes all of their income -- if they are lucky they can put aside a little for retirement.

But most can't. Cut OP some slack.[/quote]

OP is not a kid. At some point, you need to face the reality. If you haven't saved, look into other options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, To answer another question. Yes. She applied for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA.

There is no way I can pay what they calculate at our EFC. I wonder how they come up with that number. I mean, it’s not a matter of if I’m frugal and don’t go on vacation and keep driving my 5 year old car I can swing it. It’s like literally there is no way I can come up with that much money per year.

Then your daughter will have to take out loans. And/or choose a less expensive school. You do realize when you say 5 year old car it makes you look a bit absurd as a 5 year old car is very new to many of us.

oh, ffs.

Well, it IS true for us. Both cars are sixteen years old and we're going to continue to drive them into the ground until the last kid graduates and NOT from an expensive private institution.

And if you drive it into the ground before the last kid graduates, you’ll.... walk? Or maybe you’ll get a new or new-to-you car. Actually, it can be quite expensive to keep 16 year old cars running. I’m glad you’re making decisions that work for you, 16-year-old-cars lady, but those decisions may not work for everyone in every circumstance. You know that, right?

don't be an a$$. My 16 yo car is much cheaper to own than a new car.

- np

You realize that may be true one year and not the next, right? And you can't know in advance? And it depends on how much you drive, and a lot of other factors?

No reason to call someone names just because you have a different opinion.

- NP, who is certain a $119/mo lease would be better for my in-laws than their constantly troublesome older car, and having no car and using Uber cheaper still.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, To answer another question. Yes. She applied for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA.

There is no way I can pay what they calculate at our EFC. I wonder how they come up with that number. I mean, it’s not a matter of if I’m frugal and don’t go on vacation and keep driving my 5 year old car I can swing it. It’s like literally there is no way I can come up with that much money per year.

Then your daughter will have to take out loans. And/or choose a less expensive school. You do realize when you say 5 year old car it makes you look a bit absurd as a 5 year old car is very new to many of us.

oh, ffs.

Well, it IS true for us. Both cars are sixteen years old and we're going to continue to drive them into the ground until the last kid graduates and NOT from an expensive private institution.

And if you drive it into the ground before the last kid graduates, you’ll.... walk? Or maybe you’ll get a new or new-to-you car. Actually, it can be quite expensive to keep 16 year old cars running. I’m glad you’re making decisions that work for you, 16-year-old-cars lady, but those decisions may not work for everyone in every circumstance. You know that, right?

don't be an a$$. My 16 yo car is much cheaper to own than a new car.

- np

You realize that may be true one year and not the next, right? And you can't know in advance? And it depends on how much you drive, and a lot of other factors?

No reason to call someone names just because you have a different opinion.

- NP, who is certain a $119/mo lease would be better for my in-laws than their constantly troublesome older car, and having no car and using Uber cheaper still.

Not because OP has a different opinion, but because OP had a different priority and now complaining that she cannot pay for her kid's education unless school gives her more money. That money, some part of it anyway, is subsidized by families who saved over the years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t matter how predictable it is. If you don’t make enough money to save for college, you won’t have any savings. Only people with disposable income can’t understand how it is possible for someone to not have saved anything.

You can’t save if you keep spending.

And you can't save what you don't earn. Don't be an ass. People need a roof over their heads, clothes, transportation, utilities, and food. For most people in this country, this consumes all of their income -- if they are lucky they can put aside a little for retirement.

But most can't. Cut OP some slack.

Actually, this is because most people choose housing, clothes, electronics and meals out that they cannot afford. If housing in the DMV is too expensive, there are many other places to live. ETC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, To answer another question. Yes. She applied for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA.

There is no way I can pay what they calculate at our EFC. I wonder how they come up with that number. I mean, it’s not a matter of if I’m frugal and don’t go on vacation and keep driving my 5 year old car I can swing it. It’s like literally there is no way I can come up with that much money per year.

Then your daughter will have to take out loans. And/or choose a less expensive school. You do realize when you say 5 year old car it makes you look a bit absurd as a 5 year old car is very new to many of us.

oh, ffs.

Well, it IS true for us. Both cars are sixteen years old and we're going to continue to drive them into the ground until the last kid graduates and NOT from an expensive private institution.

And if you drive it into the ground before the last kid graduates, you’ll.... walk? Or maybe you’ll get a new or new-to-you car. Actually, it can be quite expensive to keep 16 year old cars running. I’m glad you’re making decisions that work for you, 16-year-old-cars lady, but those decisions may not work for everyone in every circumstance. You know that, right?

don't be an a$$. My 16 yo car is much cheaper to own than a new car.

- np

You realize that may be true one year and not the next, right? And you can't know in advance? And it depends on how much you drive, and a lot of other factors?

No reason to call someone names just because you have a different opinion.

- NP, who is certain a $119/mo lease would be better for my in-laws than their constantly troublesome older car, and having no car and using Uber cheaper still.

Not because OP has a different opinion, but because OP had a different priority and now complaining that she cannot pay for her kid's education unless school gives her more money. That money, some part of it anyway, is subsidized by families who saved over the years.

What's the reason you called her an "a$$" then? The car issue was all you added.

For the record I agree with you on the financial aid issue. Stick to that and off the car strawman next time, and avoid name calling, and you'll have a lot more support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t matter how predictable it is. If you don’t make enough money to save for college, you won’t have any savings. Only people with disposable income can’t understand how it is possible for someone to not have saved anything.

You can’t save if you keep spending.

And you can't save what you don't earn. Don't be an ass. People need a roof over their heads, clothes, transportation, utilities, and food. For most people in this country, this consumes all of their income -- if they are lucky they can put aside a little for retirement.

But most can't. Cut OP some slack.

Actually, this is because most people choose housing, clothes, electronics and meals out that they cannot afford. If housing in the DMV is too expensive, there are many other places to live. ETC.

This is a ridiculous thing to say. Who will clean your house, wait on your tables and drive your uber if everyone but rich people move away. Good grief.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, To answer another question. Yes. She applied for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA.

There is no way I can pay what they calculate at our EFC. I wonder how they come up with that number. I mean, it’s not a matter of if I’m frugal and don’t go on vacation and keep driving my 5 year old car I can swing it. It’s like literally there is no way I can come up with that much money per year.

Then your daughter will have to take out loans. And/or choose a less expensive school. You do realize when you say 5 year old car it makes you look a bit absurd as a 5 year old car is very new to many of us.

oh, ffs.

Well, it IS true for us. Both cars are sixteen years old and we're going to continue to drive them into the ground until the last kid graduates and NOT from an expensive private institution.

And if you drive it into the ground before the last kid graduates, you’ll.... walk? Or maybe you’ll get a new or new-to-you car. Actually, it can be quite expensive to keep 16 year old cars running. I’m glad you’re making decisions that work for you, 16-year-old-cars lady, but those decisions may not work for everyone in every circumstance. You know that, right?

don't be an a$$. My 16 yo car is much cheaper to own than a new car.

- np

You realize that may be true one year and not the next, right? And you can't know in advance? And it depends on how much you drive, and a lot of other factors?

No reason to call someone names just because you have a different opinion.

- NP, who is certain a $119/mo lease would be better for my in-laws than their constantly troublesome older car, and having no car and using Uber cheaper still.

Not because OP has a different opinion, but because OP had a different priority and now complaining that she cannot pay for her kid's education unless school gives her more money. That money, some part of it anyway, is subsidized by families who saved over the years.

What's the reason you called her an "a$$" then? The car issue was all you added.

For the record I agree with you on the financial aid issue. Stick to that and off the car strawman next time, and avoid name calling, and you'll have a lot more support.

I said "don't be an a$$" to PP (who wasn't the OP). I thought PP's post was obnoxious so I said don't be an a$$ above. I still standby what I said. Keep in mind there are multiple people responding without identifying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, To answer another question. Yes. She applied for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA.

There is no way I can pay what they calculate at our EFC. I wonder how they come up with that number. I mean, it’s not a matter of if I’m frugal and don’t go on vacation and keep driving my 5 year old car I can swing it. It’s like literally there is no way I can come up with that much money per year.

Then your daughter will have to take out loans. And/or choose a less expensive school. You do realize when you say 5 year old car it makes you look a bit absurd as a 5 year old car is very new to many of us.

oh, ffs.

Well, it IS true for us. Both cars are sixteen years old and we're going to continue to drive them into the ground until the last kid graduates and NOT from an expensive private institution.

And if you drive it into the ground before the last kid graduates, you’ll.... walk? Or maybe you’ll get a new or new-to-you car. Actually, it can be quite expensive to keep 16 year old cars running. I’m glad you’re making decisions that work for you, 16-year-old-cars lady, but those decisions may not work for everyone in every circumstance. You know that, right?

We have a 22 year old car running strong and very little work done. We just got rid of a 15 year old car as I did not feel safe. We put off buying cars to build the college fund. Why is it surprising?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, To answer another question. Yes. She applied for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA.

There is no way I can pay what they calculate at our EFC. I wonder how they come up with that number. I mean, it’s not a matter of if I’m frugal and don’t go on vacation and keep driving my 5 year old car I can swing it. It’s like literally there is no way I can come up with that much money per year.

Then your daughter will have to take out loans. And/or choose a less expensive school. You do realize when you say 5 year old car it makes you look a bit absurd as a 5 year old car is very new to many of us.

oh, ffs.

Well, it IS true for us. Both cars are sixteen years old and we're going to continue to drive them into the ground until the last kid graduates and NOT from an expensive private institution.

And if you drive it into the ground before the last kid graduates, you’ll.... walk? Or maybe you’ll get a new or new-to-you car. Actually, it can be quite expensive to keep 16 year old cars running. I’m glad you’re making decisions that work for you, 16-year-old-cars lady, but those decisions may not work for everyone in every circumstance. You know that, right?

don't be an a$$. My 16 yo car is much cheaper to own than a new car.

- np

You realize that may be true one year and not the next, right? And you can't know in advance? And it depends on how much you drive, and a lot of other factors?

No reason to call someone names just because you have a different opinion.

- NP, who is certain a $119/mo lease would be better for my in-laws than their constantly troublesome older car, and having no car and using Uber cheaper still.

Where is a $119 lease. If it is, they want a huge down payment or other catch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, To answer another question. Yes. She applied for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA.

There is no way I can pay what they calculate at our EFC. I wonder how they come up with that number. I mean, it’s not a matter of if I’m frugal and don’t go on vacation and keep driving my 5 year old car I can swing it. It’s like literally there is no way I can come up with that much money per year.

Then your daughter will have to take out loans. And/or choose a less expensive school. You do realize when you say 5 year old car it makes you look a bit absurd as a 5 year old car is very new to many of us.

oh, ffs.

Well, it IS true for us. Both cars are sixteen years old and we're going to continue to drive them into the ground until the last kid graduates and NOT from an expensive private institution.

And if you drive it into the ground before the last kid graduates, you’ll.... walk? Or maybe you’ll get a new or new-to-you car. Actually, it can be quite expensive to keep 16 year old cars running. I’m glad you’re making decisions that work for you, 16-year-old-cars lady, but those decisions may not work for everyone in every circumstance. You know that, right?

We have a 22 year old car running strong and very little work done. We just got rid of a 15 year old car as I did not feel safe. We put off buying cars to build the college fund. Why is it surprising?

I don't find it surprising either. We're running the old cars into the ground because it makes the most financial sense. A least it an added cost to us because the old cars were paid off a decade ago. They still run just fine. When we get to the point that one of them costs more to repair than is worth it, we will either buy a used certified car or lease. Meanwhile, adult child is buying own car so he can get to work. We need a fourth for a student car so he can go back and forth but that's just not happening with two kids in and out of college. We received no financial aid (only FAFSA $5K unsubsidized loans taken out by both children) and no merit aid at schools that the children wanted to attend. One child received offers for tuition but at third tier colleges rarely discussed on this board (in exchange for his ACT scores).