Parenting doesn't come easy — or cheap! From the time we start buying disposable diapers, it can feel like we're a neverending ATM machine for doling out money for one thing, then another, throughout the time our children are growing up. Now, finally, your son or daughter is in the final year of high school — and you are beginning to realize the bills are still adding up — and fast. Between pictures and graduation, homecoming and prom, how much is that last year of high school going to run in terms of dollars and cents? Let's break down some of the highlights.

1. Senior Pictures

This one usually comes due before the school year even starts or else it's first thing in the fall. Your studio fees will vary depending on how many outfit changes, how many backgrounds you use, whether there is a change from indoors to outdoors, whether there are personal props or pets in the photos and how many poses are shot. There are also fees for touch ups and black-and-white photos, upgrades for this and that and two or three more things. All together senior pictures will run between $200 and $1000, but you have a lot of control here. Many studios run great specials for senior pictures so compare carefully.

2. Homecoming

These costs will vary depending on if you have given birth to homecoming royalty or a teen that is going to a dance. Some schools have formal dances for homecoming and if your son or daughter is king, queen, or a member of the "court" formal wear is a must-have. Costs here will run from $50 to $200. (If you have a son with a steady girlfriend, this is one of those occasions where it is traditional for the guy to fork out for the flowers, dinner, maybe even a limo ride!)

3. Senior Prom

Senior Prom is definitely a big night — and it will cost a pretty penny for guys and gals alike. The girls need dresses, shoes, a trip to the hair salon, a trip to the nail salon — and if they are going with friends rather than dates, they still need money for flowers, food and transportation. Guys — there's a tux, shoes and costs for one (or two, if he has a date) for dinner and limo. Senior prom is a rite of passage that just might set you back a couple of hundred dollars — or more!

4. Senior Yearbook

The yearbook is a must have expense — and it will cost upwards of $50 — even at a small high school.

5. Graduation Announcements

A standard invitation will cost upwards of $250 for 200 invitations. Then you add postage, return postage for the RSVP and the cost of a photo and you can see how easily the price can start to soar.

6. Grad Party

Here is one spot where you can have a little bit of control over your costs. You determine what food to serve, what type of beverages, how many people you invite, decorations and venue, as well as what gift you are giving your grad. Nonetheless, this day adds up as well — you can easily spend $300-500 on a good-sized graduation party even if you hold it at home.

Whew — at least now you only have to think about COLLEGE!