My parents paid for braces but that was it.

How do you like LASIK? I’m curious about it because I want to get it but I’m so nervous about the whole surgery…

Your parents sound.. SO wonderful. They’re kind, generous and they raised a great daughter from what I can read from your comments

I became more at peace with my parents when I left and after I came back. Thank goodness.

I’m really thankful what my parents did for me. Btw, they also helped my cousins with their college education and dental payments. So its not just me that got the luck. I don’t think it made me spoiled just because my parents helped me. I’m thankful that I didn’t have to struggle that hard like my other friends did. I don’t accept anymore money for my parents except gifts for xmas and birthdays and I also gift them on their birthdays and on xmas.

I had problems with my parents like other kids did. I patched things up with them because overall they really were great parents. Parents make mistakes they’re not perfect. My relationship with my mom was particularly challenging but we have patched things up. I think most peoples relationship with their parents get better as they get older and move out on their own.

I definitely attribute what I had to \”go through\” even if it doesn\’t seem like a big deal to others, or that I\’m being a whiner, to my parents.

Without them and the way they raised me, I couldn\’t have learned all of the above lessons you\’ve so neatly laid out.

Thank you again!

(My annual income is a freelancing income. I can go for months without working too, so it all evens out. I just don\’t spend a lot of money to counteract it.)

What is interesting to me about your story, is that after everything – you have your parents to thank for who you are today. The good the bad and the ugly, which probably makes you resent them even more. LOL.

1. You're debt free which is a MAJOR accomplishment and something that many (young and old) can't seem to do.
2. You appreciate money
3. You're a saver
4. You have (what seems) to be a fairly good annual income
5. Your net worth is great
6. You have a fabulous blog which entertains (and educates) others on the topic of personal finance

I too have an interesting relationship with money and my parents no doubt have shaped my views and choices on the matter. Just as yours have.

Will write an article on my blog sharing the tale, this will most likely be a long article.

p.s. Am following you on Twitter and am really glad to have found your lovely site.

Cheers,
Danny
The Frugal Quack

Have you thought about what you’ll give your kids (assuming you want and will have kids)?

I think it’s a cultural thing when parents ask their kids for “monthly” money. I know because my dad asked me about it.

I guess it sort of makes sense since I am living at home and have a 9-5 job and my mum does my washing and cooking.

Also with paying at the restaurant, I only pay if I am the one who asked my family out which is usually like my mum’s birthday, mother’s day or my dad is going away for work. Otherwise, we rarely eat out because my parents ONLY want chinese restaurants which me and my sisters don’t like.

my dad has also brought it up (in a joking manner now- might change in the future!) that when he gets old, we would have to support him and give him and my mum money. It’s weird because they have their superannuation (retirement money) and a pension.

A friend of mines said her sister who now lives away from home gives her mum money as a way of ‘thanks for raising me’. For me I’d rather do other meaningful things with my parents as way of thanks. Not that I am cheap…

With growing up, my parents were really nice and made sure we had everything we needed for school etc. Only in uni that I started working (18yrs- old compared to those who worked at 15!) because I had a lot more free time. Some of my friends have not worked a day even when they have uni 3 days a week not including the weekends. Their parents gave them money- lucky!!

We also don’t do birthday presents just a nice homecooked meals with all our favourites. I think that’s the best present tho

But overall, they have been lovely and gave us things we wanted (within reason) and made sure we had an education so I am grateful to them. They are afterall, family

I’m glad you’ll be striving to be a better mom

I actually had to tell my parents to stop sending me money for this and that little thing after I got my job after college because I knew I was making more than them. I am a guest when I stay with my parents, and while I pay for a nice meal out for us, they won’t let me pay for groceries. Same as when they come stay with me. I received an allowance growing up that I did earn with chores such as cooking for the family, cleaning the house, and taking care of my mother after her back surgeries. They bought my clothes for school, but we went to places like the thrift store and JC Pennys sales racks. I went on some of the class trips, but not all of them.

My parents did pay for college, but I had scholarships and part time jobs as well as went to a pretty cheap state school, so it was mainly food and rent they paid. I went home on breaks because I didn’t have enough money to go to the beach or where ever others were going. They still spend too much money on Christmas gifts, though my brother and I are trying to wean them off of that.

I do know that I will be taking care of them within the next ten years as their money is in the market and it is running out. But I don’t mind. They supported me well. And I am already saving up for it. Though they don’t know that yet.