Re: Post-HS education:
First off , I've always believed that as a parent, one should plan for their child's post HS education
just in case they want to attend college. It doesn't cost that much out of a paycheck. We started putting $100/month in each kid's 529 account the day each was born. The first born is now a senior and has his entire 4 year degree taken care of with this 529 account (as long as it's within the state of WA/OR/ID) Anything outside of those 3 states, they have to make up the tuition costs (out of state tuition)
The oldest has already secured this extra financing with multiple 2 year athletic scholarships offers from multiple colleges (Lacrosse) He has narrowed down his offers to two colleges (both in Missouri). He's visiting both this month and will make a decision.
THAT said, my parents did NOT save money for my education but managed to pay for my oldest sister's BA and Masters. But they were divorced by the time I was at the age of considering college.
So, I worked right out of HS, then went back to college and paid for it myself.
My wife has been accepted in the UW Masters program and that will put us back $40k over the next two years. Thankfully we had enough foresight to start a 529 plan for both kids.