text: Parents want to help their children pay for college, but it might not be as beneficial as saving for retirement. Making kids pay their own way teaches them that money must be earned, and that teaches them about budgeting. Student loans come with low interest rates and generous tax deductions. Some loans might have the option to delay making payments, which is something retirement expenses, such as property taxes, etc. don’t offer. Parents without retirement savings can potentially be a bigger financial burden than student loans. Putting money into retirement now gives that money more time to grow.