Hello reddit, this is my first ever post and honestly i just really need some clarity I really think valid for thinking the way I do but my parents are making me question if i’m
in the right.
So I (16) have been saving up for a car for a little bit under a year now. i got a part time job job over the working at a store at my closest mall. (not gonna say which one for obvious reasons). I get paid bi-weekly, and I usually put in about 30% of every check into a separate saving account automatically. over the last 7 months, i’ve accumulated a little over 1000 dollars for my car. In the meantime, i’ve been driving my dad’s truck and my grandpas jeep to work and where ever I need to go. and yes, i do pitch in for gas money since im working, because of this though, they are constantly asking me how much money I have saved up for my car. everytime I tell them a number, even when i told them i literally had a 1000 dollars they always undermine it and make it seem like i should be saving MORE money and that im spending too much of it on “luxuries”. I personally think I AM doing enough to save up and at the pace i was going I would’ve had a car for senior year. They also help me pay for my car insurance since I literally wouldn’t be able to pay it with my bi weekly income. (I do still pay for the majority $140 a month). unfortunately, i have braces at the moment. FORTUNATELY, im supposed to get them on Tuesday so in about 2 days. i’ve already been scanned for my retainer but in order to receive we have to pay about $1,200 because my insurance i guess didn’t cover it. Im going to call tomorrow to talk about a payment plan and see if we have that option. (i cant today since they are closed) but at first, i reluctantly offered to put in all of my savings since my parents don’t have the money to pay for all of it. after giving it some thought though, I realized that i’ve worked very hard for that money to buy my car and I don’t wanna give all of it up. I know my parents can’t pay for all of that out of pocket so I don’t mind paying the majority but i worked very hard for that money and i don’t feel comfortable giving it all away like that, and starting to start over when i don’t have to. when I brought this up to my dad (56) he got angry and called me ungrateful and told me that i shouldn’t be greedy with my money. I really don’t think im being greedy or stingy. I wanna help especially since it’s MY retainer i just feel like it’s unfair to ask me to give away ALL the money I saved up for my car, knowing it’s going to take me a very long time to get that back. especially after all of the times they pressured me about said money. reddit please let me know, AITA?
SORRY ONE THING I FORGOT TO MENTION. the reason my retainer is so expensive is because i have hypodontia and im missing my two central incisors. my retainer has the two teeth that i’m missing so every time i have it ill ill have a normal smile. (for those who don’t know i believe coryxkenshin the youtuber has the same thing.
How much do you make monthly?
You’re only 16 but you’re not too young to learn the valuable lesson that needs come before wants. You need a retainer. You want a car. Your parents don’t have the money to pay for your $1200 retainer, but through your work these last several months, fortunately you do.
From the title of your post I was expecting a different scenario, like your parents were demanding you fork over your money to cover an expense that has nothing to do with you. But that is not the case.
Pay for your retainer and restart saving for your car. That’s just how the chips fall in life sometimes.
Its not. Hes 16 he should not be paying for medical expenses. I fear the day you have children
A lot of this depends on finances. How big of a bite $1200 is to your parents. You shouldn’t have to pay for your own retainer in a perfect world, but we don’t live in a perfect world.
Your folks are assholes.
No way would I take money from my kid that she’d saved.
It sounds like your parents weren’t making the monthly payments for your braces. NTA let this be a lesson NEVER let someone know how much money you have saved or otherwise. Just say “enough” when they ask how much you have.
NTA. You’re a minor, medical care is your parents’ responsibility.
NTA because you’re a child and your parents are obligated to pay for your medical expenses until you are 18. I can’t imagine telling a child they have to pay for their own medical expenses. Especially when they would have got their bad teeth from me lol.
You are doing great working and saving and you should be rewarded for that by being able to use your money how you want while you’re still able to.
Talk to your grandparents. If they want you to save for a car, they won’t be happy that your dad is trying to steal your money for something he should be paying.
NTA.
IMO: You are 16yo. Your parents are responsible for your medical/dental expenses, not you. They should cover this expense.
Also, inquire about other options for retainers. I was able to get a retainer for $350 when I needed one and when I lost that one, I was able to get permanent retainer put in by an orthodontist for $500.
$1200 sounds really high for a retainer so make sure you know what you are really paying for and what other options there are. Maybe going to a different ortho will save you money. Research before you decide.
NTA. dont give them the money, you’ll never see it again.
If you want to (to get pity points and to get them out of your ass), tell them you went to get the cash out to give to them but you got robbed on the way home. Tell them that a worker at the bank had already “handled it with police” and since you’re a minor the police don’t want you involved further. So now that money is gone and it isn’t your fault.
NTA – I don’t understand this. I had braces a few years ago and the retainer was included in the treatment and not a separate charge. Unfortunately, it feels like your parents are trying to pull a fast one on you, OP.
NTA. Your parents got your braces for you. It is not your expense as a child. You are not greedy for wanting to have the savings you worked for to buy a car to be more independent. Did your parents lose income since they agreed to put braces on your teeth?
NTA. Your parents are responsible for your medical costs. They can even write off the expenses on their taxes.
NTA. Your parents should be responsible for this and shouldn’t expect you to pay it! I really hope you get something sorted.