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That’s the situation Derek is facing.He has been saving with the goal of retiring at 55, but his plans may be shifting now that his son is asking for help with college. Covering the full cost of his son’s medical program — nearly $250,000 — would likely delay retirement by about five years. He currently earns around $150,000, and with his wife, spends about $65,000 annually on their mortgage, health care and everyday expenses. His retirement savings are carefully budgeted to sustain that lifestyle.Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's howDave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAPI'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)If Derek helps his son with his tuition, it will upset that retirement budget and jeopardize the future he and his wife have worked toward. They want to support their son but are looking for a middle ground.Here are the factors they can explore before Derek makes a decision.Student loan debt comes at a heavy cost — and not just the amount owed. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average federal student loan debt balance is $39,075 per person [2], and that debt can shrink lifetime earnings.An analysis by the Kresge Foundation found that the average student debt burden results in a lifetime wealth loss of nearly $208,000 for a dual-earner household where each partner has a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university [3]. The biggest hits come from lower retirement savings and less home equity.For Derek’s son, avoiding six figures of debt could make a huge difference for his finances long-term. But Derek must weigh whether taking on that burden himself would mean jeopardizing his own financial security in his later years.There is no right or wrong answer here — it's a personal decision that Derek and his wife need to make based on their own situation. Here are a few points they should consider:The family's financial situation: Can they cover tuition without draining retirement accounts? Pulling from savings risks penalties and missed growth [4].Health: If Derek or his wife face health challenges, early retirement might shift from a want to a need. This means more missed growth for their retirement portfolio.Job security: If Derek loses his job, he may struggle to fund his son's education and keep up with his own expenses and savingsThe student's track record: Has their son shown the commitment and academic performance needed to succeed in a demanding medical degree program?Earning potential: Medical doctors typically earn higher salaries, which makes repaying student loans more manageable. 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