+13 If a person has a job and is under the age of 18, the person should be allowed to spend their hard earned money on whatever they want without parents telling them otherwise. amirite?

by Anonymous 10 years ago

I don't mind they've been spending a huge chunk of their hard earned money on me and my siblings with no complaint for years on end (I know that's what they're supposed to do but still) I figure they can tell me whatever they want within reason of course wink as time passes you kinda realize how bratty kids are towards their parents I'm not saying your post is bratty it's just something I noticed about us people in general "hey speak for yourself" seriously though I was a brat as a kid A FRIGGIN' BRAT I just wanna shake that kid and scream WHAT ARE YOU DOING? DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SAYING?

by Anonymous 10 years ago

They should be able to do whatever they want with their money. However, if you're old enough to work, helping your parents should be something that you want to do, and not something that you're forced to do.

by Anonymous 10 years ago

A family is like a miniature society. You learn many of the basic rules and structure of how things work in the real world in your home. Age has nothing to do with irresponsibility or selfishness in spending. Your parents would LOVE to spend and do whatever they wanted to with THEIR money, but responsibility and obligation causes them to put a roof over your head, food on the table, clothing on your body, and whatever else they might provide. If you are old enough to work, then you are old enough to grasp the concept of saving and spending wisely. Part of the maturity process is taking more and more responsibility for yourself. Instead of having them buy all your clothes, you should start buying some or all of them (depending on how much you earn). Pay for your cell phone, your own outings and dates, insurance for the car they let you drive (if you drive), or a host of other things they have been paying for. Giving back is just as important as receiving all the years you have.

by Anonymous 10 years ago

I'm a bit confused by this. Your last sentence seems to be a bit different than the rest of your comment. Are you saying that a minor should use their money to help their parents, or that they use their money to be more independent? If it's the latter I disagree. You say that "part of the maturity process is taking more and more responsibility for yourself." How is that possible if you aren't allowed to spend your own money the way that you want? I would say that parents should guide their kids in the right direction so that they spend their money responsibly. You could guide them in that direction by not paying for their insurance, phone, outings, etc. so that they learn to save for the things that they want. I don't see how you can teach a child to be independent without giving them some independence.

by Anonymous 10 years ago

Use their money to show their own responsibility before they have to go out on their own and carry the entire load. If they never take gradual steps, how are they suddenly going to be able to handle ALL their obligations when out on their own? The OP made it sound like a minor should be able to work, earn an income, allow dad and mom to keep paying for everything, which would then allow said minor to go on a spending spree with all their "own" money. That is NOT maturity or responsibility. That is selfish greed and spoiling. The minor should be taught to set aside a percentage for savings, and percentage to cover some of their own bills being incurred around the house (as I mentioned in previous comment), and THEN with what is left, enjoy a little leisure and self indulgence. I think we are saying much the same thing in just a little different way.

by Anonymous 10 years ago

It seems like it. I agree with your above comment. I think that I just viewed the post in a slightly different way than you did.

by Anonymous 10 years ago

This is why discussions and conversations are important! wink

by Anonymous 10 years ago

420 blaze it fgt

by Anonymous 10 years ago

It's fair, but parents usually have a little more knowledge on managing finances and if their minor teenager wanted to purchase something expensive that probably wouldn't benefit them after a certain amount of time (in other words, waste the money), then I think it's wise for the parents to decide. Or if their parents didn't agree with what was being purchased because of morals or values or something, then I also think the parents have some say in the matter as it is their house and their rules. BUT, if the parents are just taking the money because they're greedy or because they just want to go spend it all on alcohol, the kid needs to get out of that house as soon as possible.

by Anonymous 10 years ago

Where does said 18 year old live?

by Anonymous 10 years ago

In the US

by Anonymous 10 years ago

I think the correct answer is in the parents' home

by Anonymous 10 years ago

oops sorry I got a little confused by what you meant

by Anonymous 10 years ago

oh that's wasn't me that was the original commenter (Steve)

by Anonymous 10 years ago

In most countries i would say ABSOLUTELY ... within the law of course. But I guess the controversy is when a fat kid wants to spend all the money on food, or if a depressed loner wants to spend all money on video games ... depends on the kid really.

by Anonymous 10 years ago