On 2007-07-02 23:49:23 +0100, "clot" said:

I see both sides of this discussion. Putting something in that's
"cheap" for a limited period can be a waste of money, but when the
money is tight, short horizons can seem reasonable - I've been there!
However, until just over a year ago, I spent cira 80 to 100hrs a week
working and now have a financial security at the cost of missing out on
my kids growing up and potentially of having been of more benefit to
them in their adult life, if I'd had more time at home;

Quite. I haven't quite done that to that degree continuously but it
certainly was at times.

I'm not sure that the kids actually ever do grow up. I haven't
noticed it happening yet.
Therefore I don't look at it on the basis of missing out on them
growing up, it's just different phases.


having said that, I'm in a position to provide both with a 50% deposit
for a house.

That will make an enormous difference, but they probably don't realise it yet.

What is the right course - does anyone ever know - circumstances change
whilst you live!

There is nothing better than hindsight. However, I deliberately
stopped doing historical 'what-ifs' many years ago and now concentrate
on future ones.