One Down, One to Go!!!!

USA Today recently reported that the total cost of raising a child born in 2013 is $245,340 (not including college!!!).  Financial speaking, kids are a HORRIBLE investment.

As a seasoned Financial Advisor, I say, "who cares."

Life isn't about numbers. This is easy to forget as we toil each day to provide for our family, save for emergencies, college and retirement.  Don't let these day-to-day pressures cause you to miss the joy of being alive RIGHT NOW. Alive and surrounded by the ones you love. In other words, don't sacrifice the only life you have for a tomorrow that may never come.

Kids are awesome. Sure, they are frustrating, annoying, messy, inconsiderate and all. BUT, to quote my daughter, Emma, "kids are all around amazing people."  She's right. I can't imagine life without them.

One of the most exciting (and hardest) parts of being a parent is seeing them gain more and more independence. Our kids are teenagers (Spencer is 18 and Emma is about 17).  Smack in the middle of the separation stage.  My wife and I have worked to "prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child." Spencer and Emma have embraced this and are honest, strong, independent, amazing young adults.

Last weekend, we shipped our oldest off to college. We threw him 5 1/2 hours out of the nest to Texas Tech University.  He is well on his way to graduating from being a M.I.T. (man in training). I couldn't be more proud of Spencer.

You're Next Emma!!!!

What do you love most about raising kids?