In a recent Reddit post, a user from a middle-class family shared their dilemma of being expected to give a significant portion of their salary to their parents. The user, who earns 80,000 rupees per month, stated that they had initially given their parents 50,000 rupees from their first salary as a gesture of gratitude. However, since then, their parents have demanded 50,000 rupees every month, which equates to 65% of their income.
The user expressed that they were struggling to make ends meet and had zero savings. They explained that their parents were using the money to save for their elder sister’s wedding. This revelation sparked a discussion among Reddit users, with many offering advice and expressing their opinions.
Some users suggested the user make ‘tax-saving’ decisions to reduce their financial burden. Others emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and saying ‘no’ to unreasonable demands. One user wrote, “Your sister ain’t eating your salary bro, your parents are. You shouldn’t let them control you.”
Another user provided a detailed plan for financial management, including recurring deposits, mutual fund SIPs, and tax-gain ELSS. They advised the user to decide on specific amounts for their own expenses, family expenses, and contributions towards their sister’s wedding.
The user’s situation highlighted the complexities of family dynamics and financial independence. Many users commented on the traditional family setup where all income is seen as belonging to the entire family, with the father holding significant control. Some users suggested that the user consider becoming independent and leaving the household if they were not comfortable with the financial arrangement.
