I have written previously about my 4 best investments, but I feel it is important to update and follow up on that statement. I now feel I have 5 best investments that I can boast about. No, this is not another 5 best stocks to invest in right now article. Plenty of other places to find that information.
In 2018 one of my daughters graduated as a Chiropractor, so now my 5 best investments are
- A Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University
- One Bachelor of Kinesiology from Acadia University
- A Bachelor of Science from Trent University
- Teaching Certification from Queen’s University
- Doctor of Chiropractic from CMCC
The last 2 investments I didn’t actually spend that much on. The previous three investments I feel were mostly my investments. I did have a rule that I pay for the 1st degree (and if I pay for a degree I don’t pay for a wedding). As with all rules they have not been adhered to verbatim.
My parents invested in my education, and for that I am eternally grateful. I have had folks comment that if a child pays for their own education, they are more invested in the process. In my case, letting my parents down was actually a strong motivating factor. That makes it a wash in terms of arguments.
I like the fact that it wasn’t a foreign investment either. I don’t think I could have afforded sending my kids outside of the country. It was expensive enough out of the city. If you are planning on helping your kids, an RESP is where you should start with your plan, and then look into CO-OP programs, OSAP and the Scholarships out there (and there are many).
Regrets?
My guess is if I hadn’t put the money away that I used to help my kids’ educations I would have blown it on something stupid, so I am glad I can point to something tangible for where the money went. It has also been pointed out that I didn’t do any of the work (aside from repairing a few computers). Why is this a good investment? I have always relied on the good works of others.
Guess the title is a bit of clickbait, but at least it wasn’t 5 best stocks to invest in right now.
Mazel tov. As happy empty nesters we too have had our views that investing in our childrens’ education has been more than worthwhile. It only gets better.
The nest isn’t quite empty, the Big Guy (who may be the Bigger Cajun Man soon) is only 13, but L’Chaim!