I received quite a lot of money after graduated, which I really appreciate. My parents want me to spend ALL of it on college supplies. I understand that most of the money should go towards college, but all of it? Did any of you spend all of your graduation money on college? I know that techically since I’m 18, I don’t really have to listen to my parents, but since they are my parents, I respect what they tell me. Any advice (or anything for that matter?) I’m sorry if this post made me sound like a brat (or whatever term it is), but I’m just curious if this is normal behavior haha.
And they technically don’t have to pay for college.
I would talk to your parents, and ask if you could spend 90% on college, and about 10% on your own interests, for example. Try negotiating politely, and see if they will change their position. But be mature about it! Maybe they are being stretched a little tight to pay for college and want you to contribute what you have (I’m just speculating).
The reason I wrote that sentence is because other people have been telling me to buy what I want instead of listening to my parents.
I don’t know what you’d need for college that would require you to spend a huge amount of money besides a laptop and housing/furniture. Talk to your parents and see if you can spend it on other things or use it to pay for college.
I don’t think ‘other people’ raised you for 18 years or are paying for your tuition. Your parents’ input and advice should come before whatever ‘other people’ say (in most circumstances, of course).
I can see that I gave some people the wrong idea when I wrote that sentence. I’m sorry if anybody took it in the wrong way. I try to word my questions carefully but sometimes that is not enough.
I do not expect my daughter to spend all of her money on “supplies”, I do expect her to use her money wisely over the course of the next year to help purchase items that were not initially purchased before departure, I also expect her to use it for incidentals such as entertainment and toiletries. We will not be able to giver her much of an allowance and we expect her to get a part time job. If your parents are asking you to spend it on these types of things it’s perfectly reasonable. College is a huge investment and I would expect the person getting the education to help contribute.
^ This. Not only did my D have to use all her graduation gift money for college expenses, she was also expected to work full time the three summers of high school and use that $ as well. She will continue to do work study 10 hrs/week during the schoolyear and work full time summers to help contribute. And you might be 18 and technically don’t have to listen to your parents lol but you are under their “control” until you are living on your own and paying your own way in life so suck it up buttercup. If your friends are egging you on to spend the money as you please, maybe its time for friends who show their parents (and yours) a bit more respect.
Thank you for the nicer replies.