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Marks recent post on the cost of his daughter’s upcoming wedding made me think about and remember fondly the 2 weddings we “hosted” (sponsored, bankrolled… not sure what the right term is) now 17 and 12 years in our rear view mirror.
Yes, the costs and add ons were outrageous then but we paid for them, survived and even retired since.
Mark, if you think the wedding is expensive wait until the costs of family social gatherings (including your new in-laws), gifts (for now another family member, your new SIL), vacations, holiday visits (if the don’t live near by) start to add up. And that’s BEFORE the blessed grandchildren (hopefully) arrive!
Believe me, it is wonderful if you can afford these things (deposits just put down for 3 sleep away camps and 1 day camp for the youngest one for next summer) but the expenses don’t end and just keep increasing exponentially. And when we go out to nice restaurants (chosen by them) to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions there is never a mention of splitting or even contributing to the check or “I’ll leave the tip, Dad”.
Mark, get used to it. The wedding costs are simply “spring training“ for the bills you will be footing for the rest of your life (hopefully for a very long time). Just be thankful you/ we can afford it…and it helps the young couples save for THEIR retirement someday! I call it my new favorite acronym, SKI- Spending Kids Inheritance!
Over the years we paid for 16 years of college, one wedding in full and about half of three others. We have been helping with 11 college funds for 21 years and are still doing so. We give money each year to our children from our RMD.
If I put current spending on family on a spreadsheet (I don’t have), I’m guessing it averages at least $2000 to $2500 a month including the college funding.
I CANNOT THINK OF A BETTER WAY TO SPEND THE MONEY WE DON’T NEED AT THIS POINT with charities coming in second.
Agreed Dick – spending money on family and friends is a wonderful thing.
Lovtoride, thanks for the roadmap! I already have two grandkids, and let me tell you — they don’t come cheap.
Just last week I covered my grandson’s upcoming school trip and chipped in for his yearly soccer club dues. Now he’s asking about joining the junior section of a local golf club too… and I think we all know who’ll end up paying for that.
My granddaughter just started grade school this September, and it’s one of those fancy schools with a uniform — a surprisingly expensive one, which we also covered.
I don’t even want to think about what it’d cost to take the whole extended family out for a meal. Even a night out with just my two daughters hits the wallet hard, especially once their favorite pricey cocktails get involved.
But like you said, we’re fortunate to be in a position to manage it all without breaking the bank.
Cocktails, one thing I have stopped participating in for myself, asI don’t think they are good value. My wife thinks differently however