I (24F) graduated from college two years ago, largely thanks to a college fund my parents saved for me throughout my childhood. I’m grateful for that, and I worked hard to finish on time with good grades. During my last year, I received a scholarship that covered most expenses, so there’s still a decent amount left in the fund.
My cousin (20F), on the other hand, dropped out of college last year after failing multiple classes. Now she’s planning to go back, but most of her own fund was already used. Recently, her parents—my aunt and uncle—asked me if I’d be willing to give her the leftover money from my fund so she could return to school.
I told them I wasn’t comfortable with that. I’ve been saving that money for grad school or maybe a house one day. I don’t feel like I should have to give it up just because she didn’t finish school the first time.
Now my cousin is upset. She told me I’m selfish and that she “needs it more,” especially since I didn’t even have to pay for my own education. My aunt and uncle said the money is “just sitting there” and they don’t want her to take out loans.
I understand that student loans can be hard, but I earned my degree and saved this money for a reason. I don’t think I should be guilted into giving it up. So… AITA?
Reddit Reactions
Lunar_Eclipse0204 said:
NTA. If the account isn’t just in your name, make sure the other person knows you said no. Better yet, move it into your personal savings if you can.
demon803 said:
NTA. Life doesn’t hand out participation trophies. She needs to grow up. Her parents enabling this behavior says a lot about them too.
Malibu_Cola said:
NTA. Your family is, though. It’s your money. You get to choose what happens to it. The entitlement is wild.
HapkiLady said:
NTA. My daughters both had college funds. One saved half by choosing in-state and doing dual credit. The other used hers up going out-of-state. Their choices, their outcomes.
Ok_Conversation9750 said:
NTA. Their retirement account is “just sitting there” too — maybe they can use that for their daughter if they’re so concerned about loans.
ReviewOk929 said:
NTA. Her education is her and her parents’ responsibility. You have every right to save that money for grad school or a home. What do your own parents think about all this?
Apart_Ad_6518 said:
NTA 100{39ca6eb452c0ce4419cd73a8f3bd18a23fe95ab4febb092bc2ab1b542eeea82f}. You worked hard, earned a scholarship, and saved your money. She blew her chance. That’s on her.
Round_Butterfly2091 said:
NTA. It’s shocking they even asked. Your cousin had the same opportunities and wasted them. It’s not your job to fix that.
Jaded_Permission_324 said:
NTA. They sound like freeloaders. I wouldn’t give them a cent.
lawfox32 said:
NTA. You earned a scholarship and used your fund wisely. That leftover money belongs to your future, not hers. She can apply for her own scholarships or attend community college to cut costs.
