She's Home From College, And I'm Broke

Is College Really Worth It Anymore?

My daughter Skyler just came home from Ohio State, and it hit me like a ton of bricks — not just the joy of having her around again, but the cost. I mean seriously, how is college still this expensive?

We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars per year, per kid. And I plan on sending all of my kids. But at what cost — literally? And more importantly, is it even worth it anymore?

I know brilliant kids — top of their class, honors students, dream resumes — who went to prestigious universities, and now? They’re struggling to find low-paying entry-level jobs… if they can find anything at all. Meanwhile, they’re saddled with debt and living back at home, trying to figure it out. It’s not laziness. It’s the reality of today’s job market.

Here’s what’s really wild:

• The average cost of college has more than doubled in the last 30 years (adjusted for inflation), according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

• In 1993, average tuition at a public 4-year college was around $4,000 per year. Now? It’s over $10,000. Private college? Over $39,000 per year, on average.

• And get this — nearly half of recent college grads are in jobs that don’t require a degree, according to the Federal Reserve.

At the same time, major companies like Google, IBM, and Bank of America have dropped degree requirements for many roles. Some are hiring based on skills, certifications, or experience instead.

So… is college still a good investment? I want it to be. I believe in education. I believe in learning. But I also believe in ROI (Return On Investment) — and if the return isn’t there, we have to ask some hard questions.

We’re not pulling the plug. We’re still sending our kids. But it’s getting tougher to justify — especially when that money could go to them to build a business, buy a house, or start life without a mountain of debt.

Would love to hear from you: Do you think college is still worth it? Hit reply or leave a comment.

I’ll be over here refinancing my house to pay for textbooks. Or maybe I’ll just pick up some side hustles, like selling my old stuff during Spring Cleaning. Seriously…we cleaned out a closet last night and made $375. It ain’t enough for college…but everything helps.

---

Happening Now (You Need To Hear This!)

• Apple Spying Settlement: Claim Your Share of $95M

• Need a REAL ID? Beware of This New Scam

• Your Phone Has a Hidden SOS Tracker: Turn It On NOW!

• STOP Using This Pressure Cooker: 100+ People Injured

Fun Stuff

• Costco Does Travel? Save THOUSANDS

On My Mind…

Baggage Fees Are Out of Control (But I Got the Last Laugh)

I flew the other day for a quick trip — and no joke, it was like watching a financial horror movie unfold at the gate. One by one, people were getting hit with baggage fees like they’d just lost a bet with the airline.

$35 here. $45 there. $70 round trip for a suitcase? I wanted to yell, “What’s in there, gold bars?”

Now, I’m a carry-on guy. Always have been. If I’m gone for a week or less, I roll in with my little bag, tuck it in the overhead bin, and move on with my life. But my wife? We go away for two nights and she’s got three suitcases and a curling iron that looks like a power tool. I love her. I fear her. I carry her bags.

But seriously — these baggage fees have gotten insane.

Let’s break it down (2024 Domestic Rates):

• American Airlines: $35 for first checked bag, $45 for second

• Delta: $35 first, $45 second

• United: $40 first, $50 second

• JetBlue: $35 first, $50 second

• Spirit: Up to $79 if you wait until the gate — yes, for one bag

• Southwest: Still lets you check two bags free. God bless them.

Now let’s rewind 10 years…

Back in 2014, the average checked bag fee was $25 across major airlines. Ten years later? That’s jumped 40% or more — without any increase in service. Your bag doesn’t get a massage. It doesn’t fly first class. In fact, it might not make it to your destination at all.

Which brings me to my latest video…

You pay all these baggage fees — and sometimes? The airlines lose your luggage anyway. And here’s the kicker: after 90 days, if it’s unclaimed, they legally sell it. To people like me. So guess what? I bought a bunch of lost luggage to show you exactly what’s inside.

Designer clothes? Gold watch? Mismatched socks?

Watch my video to see what really happens when your bags go missing… and how you can score deep discounts buying what others left behind. (Hey, somebody’s ex probably packed nice stuff.)

Talk soon!

Jeff