Is prom worth the cost?

As a concerned parent and advocate for financial literacy, I must ask: is prom truly worth the substantial financial investment it requires? While it may seem like a rite of passage for many teenagers, the reality is that the cost of a single night's festivities can stretch family budgets thin. From the cost of tickets and attire to transportation and even after-prom activities, the expenses can quickly mount up. So, is prom just a lavish expenditure or does it offer value that justifies the cost? Let's explore the pros and cons and weigh the evidence before making a final decision.