to spend this money now?

8 replies

LightShinesInTheDarkness · 20/06/2009 23:09

My Mum is generous - each birthday she gives me money to 'put away' for the DCs. It is for 'when they are older', I think she is envisaging maybe driving lessons, that kind of thing. Over the years their savings accounts have gradually built up to over £1000 each. I've never touched the accounts. Mum never asks what/if I have spent the money on.

Anyway, DCs birthdays (DS will be 8, DD 11) are coming up and Mum has given me £50 each for their accounts.

Both DCs have trips coming up - one to a camp, the other to a PGL-type thing. We are struggling a bit to find the money but I don't want to say 'no'. The combined cost is £400 - do you think its OK to put the £100 towards the costs?

OP posts:

Hassled · 20/06/2009 23:11

Absolutely OK - just do it. No need to agonise over the decision - your DCs are "older", and they need the money now. You're doing the right thing.

EdwardBitMe · 20/06/2009 23:13

I think it would be fine. It's not as though you are off buying Jimmy Choos with the cash.
It's going towards a trip that the children will enjoy and that is the point of the gift, surely?

mazzystartled · 20/06/2009 23:13

I wouldn't, unless there was no way on earth I could scrape it together otherwise.

I think the future means the future.

Maybe you could ask your mum what she thinks.

Original poster

LightShinesInTheDarkness · 20/06/2009 23:16

Mazzy - I feel like you said, the future is not now.

We can find the money, but it will mean going overdrawn - again!

OP posts:

midlandsmumof4 · 20/06/2009 23:23

Your mum sounds lovely-don't think she'd mind in the least. I do this for my GD and it wouldn't bother me at all. The money is for the children's benefit & if they need a bit now sowhat. If you are worried-ask your mum. I'm sure she wouldn't object.

Original poster

LightShinesInTheDarkness · 21/06/2009 00:02

midlands - you are right, I think I would feel happier if i asked her.

OP posts:

Firawla · 21/06/2009 00:04

I think it would be fine, its not as if you are taking the money and spending it on yourself or wasting it. A trip is something special and surely "worthy" of some of their saved up money. I'm sure your mum would be okay with it

JoPie · 21/06/2009 10:13

Thats a bit existentialist..the future is not now? Yes, but, the earlier monies were given in the past, so the future is now, if you see what I mean.

It depends on how much you want to send them on the trips. The money was meant for them, for unspecified things, and you're only guessing as to what she had in mind. Its entirely up to you. I'd use it though.

Flip