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Debate: Is it selfish or smart to keep money from your retired parents?
I'm stuck on this and need people to weigh in. My dad retired last year at 62, and he and my mom are living on Social Security and a small pension. They're fine, not struggling. But they keep offering to help with stuff like paying for my kid's soccer fees or buying us a new washer when ours broke. I always say no because I feel like they should keep that money for themselves, emergencies, you know? But my sister says I'm being rude and that they want to feel useful, and turning them down hurts their feelings. Then last month my dad slipped me $200 at the BBQ and said 'just take it, it makes me happy.' So now I'm wondering, is it selfish to take their money when they might need it later? Or is it actually selfish to refuse and deny them that joy? My wife is on one side, my sister on the other. Anyone else got parents who do this and have a good way to handle it without making everyone mad?
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olivia_morgan812d ago
Have you asked your dad straight up if he's set aside enough for his own emergencies first?
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oliverbailey12d ago
22 years old and still asking for gas money? That's wild. I mean I get that times are tough but dang. My dad would have laughed in my face if I tried that at like 15 let alone 22. Shout out to your mom for being cool about it I guess.
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