Spending money for a freshman

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We don’t do spending money, that’s on them. I’m puzzled that your kid is only coming out of the summer with $1500? It’s still early summer do they not have a way to make more than that? Even assuming minimum wage that’s not much time working surely they can put themselves out there for some other gigs?

School goes until mid-June. Then he is taking a 10 day vacation which he definitely needs! Will work for about 6 weeks. They're only promising him 30 hours/week right now, is hoping to pick up more, but we'll see.

Dear Lord.

[Anonymous]

He started saving his summer work money at 15y. The money he has accumulated over the years ($15k right now) is his spending money in college (he also bought himself a gaming computer from that money) ($200/month gets deposited from savings into checking.) We add in another $100 for personal care items/gas.

Also, how much is your kid working to only get $1500? Kid works about 30 hrs/week as a lifeguard and typically clears nearly $5000/summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We don’t do spending money, that’s on them. I’m puzzled that your kid is only coming out of the summer with $1500? It’s still early summer do they not have a way to make more than that? Even assuming minimum wage that’s not much time working surely they can put themselves out there for some other gigs?

School goes until mid-June. Then he is taking a 10 day vacation which he definitely needs! Will work for about 6 weeks. They're only promising him 30 hours/week right now, is hoping to pick up more, but we'll see.

Dear Lord.

Sounds like UChicago or NOrthwrstern. Yes those kids need a break. The trimester system is a total grind trying to cram a full semester into such a short period.

I think the spending money varies a lot by school culture. A friend with a kid at an urban school is spending a ton because all the social events are basically going to bars or restaurants. Mine at NU mostly goes to on campus events that are not expensive but the food has been really awful so spending a fair amount buying groceries and fast casual type food. We are just covering that because I don’t want them skimping on food due to some health issues. A different kid I might take a different approach though.