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XxTwilightXx · May 17, 2012, 02:33 PM

Ok I have a question, I'm 18 years old and I graduate high school may 25th then I'm going to start work at a cheese place where my dad works (he got me in) :) I start work June 4th! But now I'm getting worried because my mom said she's holding onto the money I make from this job And I really don't want her to I want to say "No! I'm 18 I've rightfully earned the money its my responsibility..." does my mom have a right to just take my money! Also id like to mention my parents have this thing "you live under our roof you live under our rules" should I stand up to my mom and say *no its my money etc*? Also I plan to move out come september/october do my parents have a right to say I can't and what do I do if they do say that? Please help me out! ALL advice is appreciated!

Fr_Chuck · May 17, 2012, 02:36 PM

You will get a pay check when you start, you have to sign and cash it, you go to the bank and open up a bank account, you deposit your check into the bank.

You may want the bank account set up before you go to work, many work places have direct deposit so the check goes straight to the bank.

No your mom has no right to your money,

But of course as soon as you are 18 and out of high school, you mom and dad can start charging you rent for living and eating at their home

ScottGem · May 17, 2012, 02:39 PM

First, your mom is right. You live under her roof, you live by her rules. That being said, she has no right to keep your money. Your pay checks need to be made out to you so she can't cash them.

On the other hand, she can charge you room and board to stay in their house.

Alty · May 17, 2012, 03:30 PM

Just want to add. If you want to move out, that's your right. You're no longer a child. They can't dictate how long you live with them once you turn 18. But, be sure that you can make it on your own, because it sounds like they won't let you come back if you go against their rules.

DoulaLC · May 17, 2012, 03:58 PM

I agree with the others. However, some questions for you:

1) Are you good with money? Have you had any opportunity to deal with having to earn, save, and pay for things you want?

2) Is your mother talking about holding the money for you to give to you at a later time? As in helping you to save it for when you want to move out?

3) Have you given any thought as to what sort of bills you would have when you move out and how you would cover them?

Obviously it is your money and if you wanted to blow it on stuff you certainly could... or if you wanted to set up a savings/checking account you could do that.

But as was said, you may end up needing to pay your parents something (could be a good lesson in managing your money), and you certainly would be needing to put money away if you have plans of moving out. Perhaps that is what your mom is thinking about? Have you asked her why she wants to hold onto your money?

Alty · May 17, 2012, 04:21 PM

Good points Doula. I didn't consider that, and I should have. My parents did something similar. But, they didn't ask for my entire paycheque. They charged me rent, but all the money I paid them for rent, they put into a savings account. When I moved out, which was when I got married, they transferred the money to me. It allowed us to get a home of our own within the first year of marriage, so I have to thank them for that.

The rest of the money I made, and I actually had jobs where I earned quite a bit, more than I'm making now, was spent on expenses. Car, gas, insurance, clothes, etc. etc. The rent they charged me wasn't much. I couldn't have found an apartment with the same rent I was paying them. I never paid for food, or any of the other normal expenses, and even with my great income, from 18 on, I wouldn't have been able to afford to live on my own. Not without giving a lot of things up (like my car, which I needed to get to and from work).

When I was 21 I went to college. During that time they didn't charge me rent, because I had no income. They actually paid for my college education, and let me live at home rent free. I was the only child, but still, we weren't rich by any means. I wish they were still around so I can tell them how much I appreciate what they did for me. I appreciated it back then too, but now that I'm a mom, and have a home, expenses of my own, I appreciate it even more.

To the OP. How much money will you be making in your new job? Have you priced out apartments where you live? Have you taken into consideration that you will not only be paying rent, but food, insurance (you will need renters insurance), car payments (if you have one), gas, car insurance (again, if you have a car), and all the other necessities? Can you afford to move out?