A recent Sallie Mae report indicates a concerning trend: parents are increasingly tapping into retirement savings and home equity to fund their children's college education. In 2025, there was a significant increase in the average amount borrowed through home-equity loans, retirement withdrawals, and credit card debt for this purpose. Financial experts caution against this strategy, highlighting the potential long-term consequences for parents' financial security. While supporting their children's education is a priority, experts advise exploring alternative funding options like scholarships, grants, and student loans to avoid jeopardizing their own retirement.