We can't afford the tuition -- and we're not poor enough to qualify for financial aid.
I'll have to refinance my house.
There goes my retirement money.
These are just a few of the depressing assumptions that come to mind when parents consider how to pay for college. And with good reason, as tuition continues to rise faster than the rate of inflation. This past school year, average total tuition and fees at private colleges rose to $22,218 -- 5.9% more than the previous year. Add room and board, and that cost climbs to $30,367.
When you lived at home, your biggest financial concern was probably how to spend your weekly allowance. Now that you're on your own, you've got a slew of new financial responsibilities. You have to pay for utilities and other household expenses, manage your credit cards, pay off debts such as your student loans and car loan. Plus, you know you should start saving for a rainy day and investing for your future.
It would seem to take an organization freak with no life to keep track of everything and remember to make on-time payments.
We can't afford the tuition -- and we're not poor enough to qualify for financial aid. 
When you lived at home, your biggest financial concern was probably how to spend your weekly allowance. Now that you're on your own, you've got a slew of new financial responsibilities. You have to pay for utilities and other household expenses, manage your credit cards, pay off debts such as your student loans and car loan. Plus, you know you should start saving for a rainy day and investing for your future.
