the experience fund

I've noticed a lot of resources include saving for college part of parenting expenses and it puzzles me. I don't ever want my kids to feel like their worth comes from their success in school or where they go in life. I never want them to feel pressure from us to go to college or make good grades. As long as they are kind to others and happy with themselves - I will be satisfied.

However, we've started talking about the expenses involved with schooling. College is a stupid kind of expensive - especially in today's job market where they're looking for higher education. In light of this I know it may be hard or almost impossible for our kids to go on their own without taking on lots of debt, and we've decided to start putting some money away. Just here and there, we're slowly starting to put some money together for what I've dubbed the 'life experience fund.'

When each of our kids turns 18, we'll have a big talk about it and give them access to the money. The only condition is they're not to use it on frivolous spending. However much it is, they can use it to buy a car, go traveling, go to college, take classes in an interest, or keep saving their own money. They can use it on anything that will give them life experiences, whatever suits their fancy and helps them find their passion in life.

I am so in love with this idea. I'm planning on continuously talking about it throughout their lives, so they can put lots of thought into what they want to do with the money. I want them to get the most of of their life, and experience beautiful things, in beautiful places, with beautiful people.