Financial Aid and Morals?

madgemini4
Mon, 12 Mar 2018 13:15:18 +0000

Just my two cents here … that and $2.22 will get you a medium cup of coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts –

I agree that this young man needs to figure out a plan to cover his living expenses in case he and his dad get kicked off this current gravy train. However, I think some posters are being a bit harsh implying that he’s somehow complicit in freeloading off this woman who willingly supports her boyfriend and his son (though I don’t doubt it’s not without some loud or passive-aggressive grumblings). The OP is a high school senior who didn’t ask for this situation. Yes I know that life isn’t fair … “man up, pull yourself up by your bootstraps …”

I’d like to tell the OP that I’m really sorry that your parents have put you in a precarious situation where you don’t have a stable home life. Your dad has managed to be worth it enough to his GF to agree to feed and shelter him and his son in exchange for companionship and housekeeping. Most kids don’t have to worry about paying room and board – it is a given that they have a home to live in (sure, it’s right and reasonable to expect chores and responsibilities, but generally kids aren’t “roommates”) It sounds like you’ve been motivitated, applied yourself in school, and have a bright future ahead. This is your ticket to a self-sufficient and independent life.

To answer your original question, you’ve gotten some good advice here. Sure, it would probably be nice to kick in for room/board despite the fact that none of the other household members are doing so. My recommendation would be to make sure your school-related expenses are covered (and that includes transportation and meals) before giving anything to dad’s GF. What do you currently do for spending money? Definitely get a job and save money.

I wish you all the best!