Man Takes A Percentage Out Of His Son's Paychecks, Gets Accused Of Stealing

Some dads take pride in being the “responsible one,” and one Reddit dad thought he had a simple system. A percentage off his son’s paychecks for a college fund seemed straightforward, the kind of setup that turns teen pay into future tuition. Until it wasn’t.

Here’s the twist, his son started working at 15, and he says he’s been aware of the deal the whole time. The OP even put his son in charge of paying for his own food, so the money wasn’t disappearing into thin air. But when payday came and the argument blew up, it turned into an all-out fight over control, fairness, and whether this counts as theft.

Now the OP is stuck wondering if saving for college is the right move, or if he crossed a line with the way he handled his son’s paycheck.

OP says his son has known about this since he started working at 15 years

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The OP has put his son in charge of paying for his own food

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The OP has been around the block and he knows a drunk when he sees one

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That’s when OP says it’s “not stealing,” because his son has known about the percentage since he started working at 15.

When parents take a percentage of their children's earnings, it’s crucial to communicate the reasons behind it clearly. This way, the child can comprehend how these deductions contribute to their future, potentially easing feelings of theft or betrayal.

The importance of financial literacy in young adults cannot be overstated. This foundation can help them understand the implications of their earnings and how deductions can work towards their future.

Incorporating financial education into family discussions can empower children, equipping them with skills they’ll need throughout life. Practical exercises like creating a savings plan can be valuable in this educational journey.

The OP doubts it's so little his son can't pay for three meals a day

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They just got into a huge argument over whether he should have the money or not

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Is the OP an AH for saving a percentage of his son's paycheck for college?

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Things go sideways during a huge argument over whether the son should actually get the money back or keep losing part of every paycheck.

When a young person feels they have no control over their earnings, it can lead to feelings of helplessness.

This collaborative approach encourages discussions about budgeting and savings, ultimately empowering them to make informed choices in the future.

It also echoes how one woman used her disabled brother’s inheritance for a business, then the money vanished.

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the AH:

1: I take a percentage out of my son's paychecks for his college fund.

The comments roll in...

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Making a little

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Teaching someone to budget

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OP also points out his son is paying for his own food, which makes the “too little to live on” claim feel exaggerated to him.

Managing finances responsibly is essential for fostering independence in young adults.

This could include establishing a set percentage that is saved for college while allowing the child to retain a portion for personal spending. By doing this, parents can help their children learn the value of saving while also respecting their autonomy.

The OP reveals more in the comments saying:

I have access to his account because as I said, it's something we agreed upon beforehand. And he is involved in decision making, but only after I've set aside the important part - money for his future. What he does with the rest of it is up to him. I do understand it's his money, but with him being so close to attending college I just want him to see this through and then he can do what he wishes with it.

Specifying the percentage

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He lives at home

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Being magically relieved of responsibilities

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And after OP lays out the college-fund reasoning, the comments roll in, pushing the question from “budgeting” to “betrayal.”

The situation involving a father taking a percentage of his son's paychecks underscores the delicate balance of financial responsibility and familial trust. When financial matters come into play, the emotional dynamics within a family can be significantly affected. The accusations of stealing may arise from a lack of open communication about money management. It is essential for families to foster an environment where children feel safe to express their concerns regarding financial arrangements.

Regular discussions about money can cultivate understanding and clarity, thereby reducing any feelings of mistrust that might develop. This case illustrates the importance of transparency in financial dealings and how it can strengthen family relationships rather than strain them.

OP's son feels like he's being deprived of his earnings, while OP believes he is securing his future. The argument highlights the challenges of balancing short-term needs with long-term goals.

OP's son is feeling suffocated by the strict savings plan that makes him manage feeding, while OP is worried about his readiness for college. The situation raises questions about the importance of financial independence and the value of college education.

However, in this case, OP was declared the AH for not considering what the son goes through due to the savings. Drop your thoughts below, and don't forget to share as well.

This scenario highlights the delicate balance between parental guidance and a child's quest for autonomy. The father's decision to take a percentage of his son's paychecks for college savings stems from a commendable desire to invest in his son's future. However, this well-meaning approach risks being perceived as controlling, which can alienate the very individual it aims to support. The son's frustration serves as a reminder of an important psychological principle: when young individuals perceive a loss of autonomy—regardless of the positive intentions behind it—they may develop feelings of resentment. This dynamic emphasizes the challenge of merging financial responsibility with the need for personal freedom, a critical consideration in effective parenting.

The situation presented in the article highlights the delicate balance of financial interactions between parents and children.

The family dinner did not end well, and now OP is wondering if he just taught his son the wrong lesson about money.

Want another inheritance blow-up? Read how a grieving daughter got called greedy over Dad’s condo.