I have a new definition of "senior-itis" No, I'm not talking about senior moments as in not remembering where you put your keys or the name of your dentist. I'm talking about the other senior-itis. The one that hits high school seniors about three quarters of the way through their senior year when they stop wanting to be in high school and get on with their lives. It is that senior-itis that I have a new definition for... Senior-itis of the wallet.
Our son, Hayden, is a senior this year. We knew it would happen. They go to school for a certain number of years and eventually you hit their senior year. I also knew it would be expensive. I had done some research about senior pictures and what the average senior party/graduation would cost. I thought I was prepared. I thought I had SOME idea. I was wrong.
Senior Pictures: $1000
Class Ring: $400
Yearbook Senior Ad: $300
Perfect Senior Year....priceless, or so they'd like you to think.
and that is just in the first 2 weeks of school. Please don't forget the Senior Band pictures, ACT fees, college application fees, and travel expenses for college visits (that's Septembers list). We'll end up going through his first years college fund just to get him through his senior year!
However, I have found a way to beat the blood sucking, guilt ridden, horrible machine that is senior-itis of the wallet. RESEARCH! Did you know, you don't have to buy the class ring from the contracted jeweler? In fact there are 100's of places online that you can get a class ring at about 1/4 of the price. Senior pictures? The studio who does the basic head shots for the yearbook also does senior picture portraits, for about 1/2 of the upscale studios. College trips? Ask the hotels if they give a discount for students checking out the school.
So...instead of $1000 for senior pics, we paid $495. Instead of $400 for a ring, we paid $75 (NOT KIDDING!). It made my husbands blood pressure go back down a bit and my son feel less guilty about milking his parents dry of their retirement. And he gets all the perks, which he deserves and has earned. He has worked so hard to maintain his grades and is a good kid. I want him to enjoy his senior year and all the extras that come with it.
Now to start saving for the dorm room supplies. Laptops, fridges, and TVs....OH MY!
