How Do Decide....??

Um, the $5,000 comes off your taxable wages you don't actually get $5,000. You actually get whatever your marginal tax rate is of $5,000 so if you are taxed at 10% you get 500. Just an FYI. :)

I just told you how they work. I just graduated in 2010 with a masters in accounting. I think I should know. It is a for AGI deduction, in other words it comes off your taxable income before AGI is calculated where a deduction like your lifetime earning credit is from AGI or comes off after calculating AGI. It is a great deduction but not what you think it is.

I can assure you I was brutalized with tax to the point I will never practice tax. There is not one law in the tax code that deducts from your tax liability after it is calculated, not one! There are things like the earned income tax credits that are like extra withholding but those have income requirements that I very much doubt you qualify for.

Instead of just doing credit classes, do a vocational degree, that will lead to a job, such as nursing, physiotherapy, teaching. So that it has an end point, and you are not left wondering what to do after you finish your degree - if you have a vocational degree, the choice is made, you cannot go back - theoretically anyway!

Contact your local technical school or continuing education school and get an appointment to see a counselor. The Wisconsin Technical School system has a great program to help students hone in on their interests and how to apply that to a degree and then a career. They also have a great scholorship program.

Good luck going back to school is not easy but so worth it. I am also thinking about finishing my BA.

I feel you.

I can't stand school unless I am being completely mentally stimulated, if that makes sense. Classes that aren't teaching me anything make me anxious and I have to leave. I started taking classes online when I moved to Amsterdam and I really like it. I don't have to do everything for 3 hours a day and can read the lectures pieces at a time. I can do projects whenever I want, as long as they are done by the end of the term. I would look into it if you really want to go back.

I wouldn't look into the ADHD thing. I think it is normal. If you aren't enjoying something, you aren't going to do it anymore.

I hope Jo was able to explain the tax situation to you, I trust her!

What do you want to do with this associates in "whatever"? You don't want to change your daycare and you don't want to work out of the home. Maybe taking classes for personal enrichment is the answer without a degree as the goal (it's not for everyone).

I really think re-examining your business model of 24/7 and making accommodations for low income families that can't pay would be very good for you. You are not a non-profit, this is a business. Charge more, have specific hours and time off, dedicated time for your family and the options to take classes that would interest and motivate you. It's very difficult to add anything else to your plate when you have only had two weeks off in 15 years.

check out collegeplus.org You get your BA faster and cheaper and at home. You've already done some CLEP exams and they help you with those. Good luck!