My brother's wife is expecting and I'd like to set up a 529 college savings account for the child with a decent initial amount and an annual birthday deposit. I do not currently have any kids, nor do I really plan to have any, but I'm afraid that my brother will feel the need to do the same for my children, if I do end up starting a family. Its something that would be difficult for him to afford, and I really dont want to make him feel obligated to. Should I try to explain that he's not obligated? Should I not open the account?
2007-05-21 13:27:32 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
He isn't required to know, so just open the account without telling him about it.
2007-05-21 13:33:49 · answer #1 · answered by Peter D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend just doing it but don't tell him he doesn't have to do the same for your kids that will definitely make it look like you think he can't afford it in turn belittling your brother and feelings will get hurt.
Just let him open an account for your kid if he decides to because.......
There's really no easy way to say "dont worry you don't have to do the same for my kid i know you can't afford it" it will sound bad no matter what choice of words you use.
Just keep in mind chances are he won't do the same if he can't afford it.
2007-05-21 13:40:33 · answer #2 · answered by Oscar c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that is a really nice thing to do. I have two brothers and maybe he would feel a little bad about it but just explain it to him. Even if he does not go for it you dont really have to tell him about it. I mean its really not for him its the kid. so think about the kid
2007-05-21 13:33:55 · answer #3 · answered by Justin L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would talk to him about it just like you did here. If you don't feel comfortable talking to him about it, then make it an anonymous gift through a trust fund or something like that, to where the kid gets some control over it when he/she turns 18.
2007-05-21 13:34:02 · answer #4 · answered by Lisa E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋