mom/dad problems over money, help please.?

Question

im part of your average middle class family, junior in highschool. basically my parents agree i need a car (for work, then eventually college), however my dad says we only have enough money for a used car, that gets good mpg. my mom says i need a new car that will last me a long time. my dad doesnt think we have the money for this, my mom does.


both parents tell me its none of my buisness when i ask about money. how the hell can i know whos right? however, they consult with me about which car i would like out of choice a,b,c etc (new with mom, used with dad.) my dad always talks about how late hes going to retire and how we missed a lot of chances in the stock market and i should learn from his mistakes, yet i always hear about how much money from overtime and raises my mom gets from nursing.


the questions:

1. should i figure out on my on how much money we have since my parents wont tell me what really is the situation? if so how? what factors, what should i look for?

2. any other advice? anything at all? thanks.

obviously im asking on yahoo answers because anytime i bring up money they drop the conversation.

Answer 1

i am going throught the same thing and i am in college.i know that my parents do not tell me if we have financial problems or anything yet lately i have seen the truth that 2 kids in college and one taking swim lessons adds up plus sending money to my grandparents and such.my parents at some point had to sell some stock shares because we needed to money and i somehow found out one time.maybe your parents like everyone else is trying to protect you. respect their privacy and do not ask because that will place more worries on them that you know the truth.

Answer 2

ok first of all, if youre dad is worried about money then you should go for a used car. buy your own new car when you have your own money.
NURSING is not a well paid job unless you have private arrangements with someone (im extremely lucky the deal i have) i make twice what i used to at my old nursing job. because good nurses are hard to find, if you are good at what you do, then people will just offer you jobs all the time. my old bosses were ringing me to try bribe me with anything to work for them again (no thanks)
it depends what type of nurse your mum is.
with the car, i hope you realise that nursing is a very hard and physical job and if you want a new car youll be saving for a while. im not sure what your dad does but if hes talking about late retirement etc its not looking good.
you have to take your own steps to get your car. why dont you ask your parents to match what money you save up and then it wont be such a burden on everyone.
my parents are extremely money orientated and it makes me sometimes resent them for it, because it seems it's all they care about. they both retired at 45 so they must have done something right.
they have 5 kids and every one of us owns our own car and/or realestate. these things have been bought by US, or money lent off them and paid back in emergencies.
you wont be able to figure out what your parents make because you dont know what the incoming amount is to what the expenditures are.
have a look at your house for one... are you living in a shack or a castle? you should be able to make a little note of what you see around the house. or if your parents own the house you could see what its worth, but by the way your dad sounds, the house is probably still owing a huge amount and is not considered an asset yet.
other than that, its not really your business so you have to go by what your parents say.
why dont you figure out a maximum amount your dad would be willing to spend on a used car then maybe find a new car and YOU have to make up the difference.
that should make everyone happy, your dad isnt spending over his head and your mum will be happy you got a new car.
good luck

Answer 3

I do not know your driving record but going by statistics I would suggest a used car because of the percentage of accidents. If you haven't had one yet the chances are pretty high that you will. Hopefully it will be minor. The cost of a new car is very expensive and insurance will be astronomical! A used car is much more practical.
I have three daughters and bought them each a used car. Guess what? The all wrecked them or blew them up because they didn't take care of them. They were then mad because I wouldn't buy them another! The insurance is very expensive, as I said. A lot cheaper on a used car.
What you Dad mentioned about retirement is a good point.
He and your mother have got to start saving for it because chances of social security being around are pretty slim as far as I am concerned. Are you willing to put your parents up and help pay for food and necessities when you grow up and they can not afford retirement? I didn't think so.
I have been wanting to retire now for a few years but my daughters still haven't finished school and they are 26,24 &23. They still can't make ends meet and are always hounding me for money! I wonder when I am going to be able to retire? Think about your dad and mom. Do you think they want to work overtime?
Go with a good used car and you will be happy and have a clear concience.

Answer 4

Well you can't exactly decide what you want to get if you don't know how much they are willing to spend on you (though if you go for a used car you shouldn't be deciding on a model but just buying whatever is in good condition and well maintained since having a car that works is more important than having a car that looks good). If you can get a new car out of them then that would be a better idea than buying someone else's problems (which is what used cars usually are).

You really need to get a dollar figure from them and get them to agree on something (good luck there).

Answer 5

Actually,the money issues should stay between your mom and dad.Understandably,from time to time you will overhear their discussions on the topic.As far as cars go,I can understand the debate.There is the old addage of you get what you pay for,and that is no truer than with cars.I can see the good and bad of both buying new and used.Used,you take the chance of buying someone else's problems.New,there is always the added cost.However,a lot of used car dealers are now offering a warranty.And cars are made more durable now than when your mom and dad were getting their first cars.Just let your parents fret about finances,and take care of your car when you get it.

Answer 6

It might all depend on how far is your ride? If you stay around local or far and treat any car with respect fixing it when it needs help. Most cars will do you right. So maybe find a used car, that someone has kept tight? If you don't know how to look, take it to a certified mechanic, that is what they are there for. I hope this helps.

Answer 7

You don't need to worry about money, thats your parents job.
And secondly, your dad is right, as long as the car is in working condition used is fine!
You shouldn't (and neither should your parents) spend money they dont have on ANYTHING! So stick with a used car for now and then when you get enough money you can have a new one.

Answer 8

1. How much money your parents have really isn't your business. Take whatever car they throw at you.

2. Go for the used car. A persons first car should be a pile of crap.

I see kids today driving around in brand new BMWs and whatnot. They end up taking it for granted. A car that isn't 100% reliable will teach self reliance. Ofcourse you probably will think I'm full of crap. I know I would have at your age.

Answer 9

well if your mom is suggesting a new car you obviosly have some kind of money your dad just doesnt want to use it on you.

i say look for a car on your own, like ones on the side of the road. and can find really good cars and great deals if you find a good one thats cheap talk to your parents about it.

Answer 10

Are you working somewhere? If not, take the used car. The insurance will be lower. They will probably pay that too. And with the price of gas going up, the more economical, the better. Just make sure the heater works, and not more than 150,000 miles on it.