2008-11-19
Parents Can Give Allowance as Funds for Future Needs

DR. WALLACE: I remember reading the letter from the young lady who was upset that her parents suspended her allowance after she got a part-time job. Although I wasn't compelled to write you then, I had to voice my opinion after reading the responses from parents over your advice.

I completely disagree with you and heartily agree with those parents that said allowances should stop once the teen starts earning money. I, too, had my allowance suspended after I received my first part-time job a year ago. I had been getting $20 a week from my parents (though some thought that excessive, I paid for all my own clothes, shoes, gasoline and toiletries). When I found my job, my father decided to do away with my allowance. But I understood that would be the case even before he mentioned it aloud. Why should he pay me when I get money from someone else?

Instead of giving me an allowance, he opened a Roth IRA in my name for $2,000. I am now 18 and have complete control over my future. I know my retirement years are set from the money my father gave me, and I am saving another $2,000 to put into the IRA next year. I still pay for all my own necessities — clothes, gas, school supplies — as well as my own bills. I have two credit cards in my own name; my parents refused to cosign because if I mess up my credit, I have to bail myself out. I have yet to miss a payment or exceed my credit limit.

I have never begrudged my father for discontinuing my allowance. Quite the opposite; I thank him for ensuring my financial well-being in the future. Not only is my retirement taken care of, I know how to budget my income and live within my means.

Thanks to him, I'm looking forward to attending Florida State University in the fall — with 100 percent paid tuition — and moving out of my house a financially independent young woman ready to face the world. — Samantha, Palm Bay, Fla.

SAMANTHA: You have very wise parents. I did say that parents should continue to give their children an allowance, even after the child is working part-time if the parents could afford it. I felt the child would be "punished" financially for earning an honest dollar.

I've changed my mind after reading your letter. Parents should stop giving allowances after their children earn money with income from part-time employment. The "allowance money" can continue with the funds being placed in an account to be used for a future worthwhile project.

SUICIDE IS NUMBER TWO KILLER OF TEENS

DR. WALLACE: Please settle this family debate. What is the leading cause of death for teens? My parents think it is death by misuse of illegal drugs. I say it is suicide. Who's right? — Bethany, Clarksdale, Miss.

BETHANY: According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the leading cause of death for teens is motor vehicle crashes. Suicide is in second place.

One would think that teens have too much to live for to commit suicide, but this age group has the second highest percentage of suicides, exceeded only by those who are between the ages of 60 and 70.

It isn't easy being a teen!

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@galesburg.net. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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