It sounds like your parents did a great job. I hope my children think the same way about Mr. KR and me when they grow up :)

Been paying my way since I turned 18, but as my own choice...

I'm kinda divided on the whole parents paying for everything, as I have seen both positive and negative examples of people who have had their parents foot the bill.

For example in my chapter the guy I can't stand has had his parents pay for everything, and he acts like a spoiled brat that is only happy "lording" his affluence over others... while two of the guys I'm closest to have also had their parents pay the bills... I guess it comes down to bounds and how involved the parents are... if they just give the kid cash whenever they ask, I have a problem with it... but if there are goals or boundries laid out (ie. marks) then I can't see a problem.

Well...I guess I was spoiled.

My parents bought my first two cars. I only had to buy one once I got a job because the one my parents bought me got stolen and totalled, which sucked.

They paid sorority dues, food, most clothing, all medical stuff, makeup, haircare, car insurance, tuition, school supplies, cell phone, etc.

The only things they did NOT pay for were: Spending money (my parents would occasionally slip me some money before I went out when I lived at home...rare) and my apartment rent...one year I lived in an apartment in the same city where my parents lived / where I went to college and they didn't see why they should pay (I don't blame them). They paid all the other expenses though, which was really nice.

***edited to add: This was all contingent upon stellar grades. If I had earned less than Dean's List, the gravy train would have derailed...***

NOW, since I just had to relocate back to TX sort of unexpectedly, I am living at home. However, I make my own money, so basically the only things that are free to me now are rent, food and cell phone (only 'cause we have a family plan). Absolutely everything else is out of my sweet little pocket. Plus, I help out quite a bit around the house...I'm not just pretending I am at a hotel! They are being awesome for letting me live here, since it will allow me to save enough to have a substantial cushion once I get my own apartment next year. The ex-husband got all the furniture, so I have to sort of re-establish...boo. (btw, I am still in my 20's)

Now my brother and sister are extra-spoiled. My parents pay all expenses for them. Even an apartment that my sister only lives in part-time...And they never even see their own credit card bills. They come straight here and my dad pays them...I know, life is tough...they are going to have a wake-up-call once they graduate!

Like Cake sings "Is it you or your parents in this income tax bracket?"

Its not bad to have parents who can afford nice things.

I'll buy my kids stuff one day, but they will either be in summer school in HS takign collegel level classes OR working and they will pay their own gas and insurance. In college, I will pay all their bills and tuition, but they will work 8 hours a week or volunteer 8 hours a week.

Whats sad is that I have a friend who is 26, has a BA in business and his parents STILL pay for his Tahoe, and Condo. I dotn understand how he can live with himself. When I go out to eat with my family, I dont even want them to cover me. I am always trying to kick in cash. My mom is always trying to give me cash. I could never take it. I am a grown ass man. I make my own money. I cant believe my buddy still has his folx pay his bills. How does he live with himself. How can you feel like an adult when moms and pops are still covering your bills? Thats some sad shit.

I pretty much pay for everything I need on my own. My tuition is covered by scholarships and a small loan. When I live at school, I pay my rent, utilities, groceries, clothes, books, gas, etc. I know my parents can't afford it, so I got a job when I was 15 and started paying myself. I think working at an early age taught me to be responsible, how to manage my time, and how to save my money.

That being said, I have absolutely nothing against anyone whose parents pay their way. If my parents had the money, I'm sure they would help me out too. There's a difference between a person who is appreciative of their parents' help and a person who expects the world on a silver platter.