I’m shaking in my boots. Why? Because my daughter and I just visited two colleges. It’s hard to believe that my little girl has grown up so fast. Even harder? That college costs have grown faster.

I shouldn’t complain too much. The first college we saw was only $15,000 per year. That’s a bargain considering what other colleges are charging. The second school costs $43,000 per year! It does have a great scholarship program. Still, the whole bill will cost well over $100,000K. 

Did you know that the average cost of college has risen by nearly 600% from the time I went in 1985? That’s three times faster than the consumer price index. What’s worse, a lot of students are having trouble finding jobs after graduation. Oh, what joyful news. I can’t imagine the joy of leaving school without a job but with a HUGE student loan.

So why are so many kids still going to college? As a parent, my answer is because I’m scared. The gap between rich and poor is getting wider and I’m worried that my kids will be left behind. For all I know, in ten years you’ll need a master’s degree to serve a caramel macchiato at Starbucks. Plus the rate of unemployment for college grads is half the national average -- a fact not lost on me.

Of course, that’s not the only reason. College also gives you that ever important factor called ‘prestige.’ Also, you do learn a lot -- and not just academic stuff, but a lot of necessary life skills. You learn self-discipline and how to organize your time. You learn to take responsibility for your actions. You learn how to work with others -- both one on one and in groups -- as well how to cook Ramen noodles. Plus you really learn the value of a dollar. I still remember when my grandma used to send me $5 in the mail. I’d float around all day, feeling like Donald Trump without the freaky hairstyle.

So no matter the cost, my kids are going to college. I'm sure it's a fact universities rely on. I just wish I could count on my kids not needing to live in my basement once they are done.

You are never going to believe what I just found out.

 I'M FILTHY, STINKING RICH!

I found not one or two, but three separate credit card offers in my mailbox today! If I play things right, my spending power is about to increase three-fold! A world of riches will be mine, and the excitement doesn't even end there.

The credit company I do use just sent me an updated card as well. Along with it they sent me another completely different card. I didn't have to ask!

That’s right. I got an unsolicited American Express card. I thought it had to be a mistake. I'd never applied or even asked for one, but my credit card confirmed that it was mine. You see, they had been worried because my current card wasn’t accepted at Neiman Marcus. Such a travesty!

Alas, Neiman Marcus, with their upscale, over-priced clothes. That's my kind of shopping...except it isn't, really. In fact, I only have one thing in my closet from Neiman Marcus: a Marc Jacobs black fringed top I’d found double tagged on a clearance rack at Filene’s Basement. 

Truth is, financially my family does okay because I don’t go credit card crazy. Credit cards can lure you into spending money, especially when you shouldn't.

I still remember back during my college days when a friend got her very first card. Her first bill was $34. She let it slide, rolling the bill to next month. Then she rolled it again. Six months later, finance charges and late fees turned that $34 into over $200. She nearly had a heart attack.

When it comes to credit cards, don't carry too many and do your best to pay them off every month. My rule is if I can’t pay for something straight out of my checking account, I can’t afford it on my credit card bill, either.

If you want a few more tips when it comes to credit cards, loans and money, take a peek below:

MOM'S MONEY TIPS

1. 'Special offers' aren't really special. If a company or salesman says you've been 'specially selected,’ don’t feel flattered. They just want your money. It’s called marketing.

2. ‘Low, easy payments’ are no deal. The lower your monthly payment, the more you pay in the end. Here's an example:

Say you take out a 6% loan for $5000. 

      - If you take out a 1 year loan, you’ll pay $430/month for 12 months. TOTAL: $5164.

      - If you take out a 3 year loan, you’ll pay $152/month for 36 months. TOTAL: $5476.

      - If you take out a 5 year loan, you’ll pay $97/month for 60 months. TOTAL: $5800.

3. Always ask yourself: Do you need it now, or can you wait? If you can wait, put that money in the bank until you’ve saved enough to buy it outright. For all you know, by that time you might not need or want it anymore.

4. Paying full retail price is for chumps. Wait until it’s on sale.

5. Cars are an expense, not an investment. Man, I've seen a lot of people become slaves to their car payments. Don't let that be you. Make sure buy a vehicle you can comfortably afford. Plus remember, its value decreases as as soon as you drive it off the dealer's lot.

6. It’s all about give and take. If you find something expensive that you absolutely must have, ask yourself what you’re willing to give up in order to get it.

7. The little things add up. A $3 cup of Starbucks coffee every morning = $90/month. Yowsers.

8. Time is money. If you make $8/hr and wait until those killer $60 jeans go on sale for $40, you're not just saving $20 but 2-1/2 hours of work.


That’s all I’ve got for now. Make me proud and spend your money wisely! And if you're wondering what happened to those offers and the American Express card, they're in the trash.

It kills me. Every year I can't wait for school to get out and summer to begin so I can relax a little. Then it finally happens and I find myself even busier than before. Needless to say, posting every week has become impossible. I did, however, jot down a few pearls of wisdom for those who need a quick 'mom' fix. Here they are:

1. A penny saved is… not much. These days, if you really want something, start saving nickels and dimes.

2. If all the cool kids are doing it, don’t.

3. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, get it out of the house before it poops on the floor.

4. Good things come to those who work their butts off.

5. If you get knocked down, you can get right back up. If you get knocked up, it ain’t so easy.

I wouldn't be a mom if I didn't also remind you to make sure and wear sunscreen this summer. Back in the day, we laid out in the sun all day slathered in baby oil. Now we're all wrinkled and crinkled with freaky brown speckles everywhere. Want that to be you? Plus the whole skin cancer threat is very real and very scary.

And, of course, don't forget the sage advice given by John F. Kennedy during his inagural speech in 1961: