Before the golden years arrive, people tend to plan for retirement so they can travel and spoil their grandchildren later in life. According to a recent survey, however, spoiling may now include paying for college tuition.

The State of College Savings Foundation’s (CSF) annual survey of parents finds parents are saving less for their children’s post-secondary education. Approximately 63 percent of parents expect their children to pay their college tuition.

On its Web site, the CSF describes itself as a “not-for-profit organization” dedicated to “helping American families achieve their education savings goals,” but the organization offers a perplexing solution for college students in need of finances.

In a press release, CSF suggests grandparents assist college students.

“If they financially had the means, I would say they should [help their grandchildren]. I definitely would,” said Elvira Rogers, maternal grandmother of junior speech pathology major Rachel Stade.

Rogers stated that 40 years ago going to college was not stressed. Her children were just interested in graduating high school and finding a good job. Today, Rogers currently has 10 grandchildren, with one on the way, and two grandchildren are currently in college.

“Now, you have to go to college in order to get a good job,” Rogers said. “You want to be able to see [your grandchildren] graduate from college.”

However, Rogers does not believe in paying all college expenses. Aside from fiscal support, Rogers said she would encourage, support and feed a grandchild in college if need be.

“I think a grandparent could help, but it’s not their responsibility,” said Ute Lundy, maternal grandmother to both senior management major Ashley Newcomb and junior English/Spanish major Chelsey Newcomb.

Lundy said there are other factors to think about when asking a grandparent for money. Grandparents could have limited income, health issues, etc. Plus, grandparents already paid their dues when they paid for their own children’s expenses.

As the old proverb goes: “Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for the rest of his life.” Helping teach a grandchild to be fiscally responsible from a young age would be the best option as far as a grandparent’s “duty” to pay their grandchild’s college tuition goes. Grandparents worked hard to get where they are at now. A college student asking for financial support from their grandparents is simply irresponsible.

Grandchildren, either save your own money, have mom and dad help you out or take out a loan before going to your grandparents with fiscal needs. Grandparents spoiled you as a child, but now you are an adult. Adults solve their own problems.