As to the SWAT team, yes, that probably was a bit too much. We don't know, however, what went on before such a drastic measure was taken. Had the these people threatened anyone who contacted them about the bad debt? I'm suspicious that was the case.
These people had a house and 3 kids — maybe cars, boats, etc. They'd most likely been out of school for quite awhile. I suspect that they hadn't been making payments for some time. There are ways to apply for relief when a debtor falls on a patch of bad luck, but ignoring the problem or threatening a collector will almost always bring some first-class trouble.
Please don't let projected college costs worry you too much. Lots of things must be factored in. For instance, many of the finest universities are making classes available
online. By the time your children are ready, teaching methods may have gone through some big changes. The marketplace is working: too many high-paid college professors and administrators may very well force schools to find different, cheaper ways to operate. Factor in, too, inflation (or will it be depression or stagflation?), scholarships, work/study programs, summer jobs for the older kids, and you have some wonderful years to look forward to. Your kids will make it; you did.
Yes...I made it...and I made it through graduate school through to my doctorate...and it is expensive. As I said...VET school scares the pants off of me....especially specializing in equine veterinary medicine. BUT...there is such a shortage projected in the next 15 years (a 50% retirement rate and most vets going into small animal care) that he should be able to write his own ticket.
Of course...we are preppers...and I am just sure our politicians are going to drive us into the ground...so I probably really won't have to worry about any of this...lol.