For parents and families

Support their future without sacrificing yours.

You can be generous and still have boundaries. Start with honest numbers, clear expectations, and options that protect both generations.

Have the money conversation

Agree on what support means, who is responsible for which costs, and what happens if the plan changes.

Students can borrow for education. Parents cannot borrow for retirement. Preserve your own stability before co-signing or withdrawing funds.

Monthly support, direct tuition payments, housing, and limited gifts can carry different risks than taking on open-ended debt.

Look beyond the headline award. Separate grants from loans and account for costs the school’s estimate may understate.

A useful first step

Use the calculator as a neutral starting point for a family conversation about the gap and how it might be shared.