WELLNESS
COLLEGE
This is often the “ expense of all expenses ” for your children . However , it ’ s important to remember that unless it is written in your co-parenting agreement , parents are not contractually obligated to pay for a child ’ s college education . As with any expense , I recommend that you only agree to pay what you can afford . You certainly don ’ t want to put yourself in financial peril when there are other means of paying for school through student loans , grants , scholarships , and work-study opportunities . That said , be honest with your co-parent about what you can contribute and keep an open mind with what they can contribute as well .
CARS
When your child starts driving , it ’ s often a blessing and a curse . It ’ s great because they can transport themselves to and from parents ’ homes , school , activities , events ... and maybe even run a few errands for you , too . However , a child that can drive also comes with added expenses such as car insurance and gas . Some families allow their child to have their own car . Whether it ’ s new or used , a teenager with their own car should be
viewed as a luxury . If this is something that is important to you or your parenting partner , have an open and honest discussion . Do not shame a co-parent if they can ’ t or do not want to contribute financially and vice versa . If you agree to get your child their own car , perhaps one parent can pay for the car and insurance and the other pays for maintenance and gas . Or , maybe one parent covers the car and the other covers insurance , while the child is responsible for their own maintenance and gas .
TRIPS
If you have a child who ’ s old enough to travel on their own or on study abroad
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