What in all was the damage? Let's count it. Actually, let me show you to the store where you can buy pitchforks and some torches, while I go run up some dark castle in a stormy night...
My dad had told me that there was this awesome 2004 car for sale, for the low price of $2500. Fully working, no major issues. I have REALLY been wanting a car to call my own. He told me this one Monday, and did not communicate with me for another 4 days.
I then offer to help with the money, since the car for that price IS an outstanding deal, and younger sister could use a car for her commute to/from college. (She can't pay for it, of course.) I had told them that Monday that the most I could lend was $1500. Yes. That was my BIG mistake. But let me finish the story before you hunt me down. Sister could pay $500. So the plan was to offer $2000 in cash and walk away with the car.The owner wouldn't budge.
So what happened, may you ask? They went out and bought another car. A 2006 (I think) Saturn Vue. Gorgeous looking car for the price of $1500. MY $1500. It needs transmission work, but even after that is repaired for a total of about $800, they are getting a car much newer than any they have owned before, for a fraction of the price. Did I mention it looks great?
Right. Back to the story. The $1000 came from my EF, plus $500 total overflow from my vacations and part time job. As a last defense of mine, let me say this: the only reason I gave them my money was because my sister would be the one paying me back. And I had no doubt she would pay me back. But now that the car is more of 'my parents's car, I know I won't be seeing that money.
I can't even think of rebuilding my EF yet, either, but I have managed to hide $150 away from my part time job. Gotta start somewhere!
Possible events coming up? I might go to a graduation in June for a very good friend of mine (driving 6hrs each way, about $140 in total with tolls and all), then a convention ($60 tops spent, including hotel room for a day), and shipping myself back to Chicago for a week in July ($400). All of this equals $600, which will be the overage from a 3-check month in August.
I don't understand. Why isn't the Saturn yours? You handed them money with the intention of getting a car and they have a car? It should be yours, right?
ReplyDeleteVirginia
Well, in theory, "they" (my dad) found it. I was just "facilitating" the money. Then it was supposed to be my sister's. But she wont get it. I'm told she might, but we'll see. If she does end up taking that car, I'll try to get payment.
Deletewhy, Why, WHY?!?! AHHHH!!! I'm pulling my hair out FOR you...I can't imagine your bald spots ;) haha-I'm really trying to tease! Since you paid for the car, is the title at least in your name? At the very least, if you are paying for these types of things, they NEED to be in your name! This gives you legal rights to property you paid for. It also gives a psycological component of ownership to you and a "borrower" mentality to your family. So is your sister not getting this car then? You have every right to the car, or the money back if they aren't meeting the requirements of the given money. Another thing that may help is contracts. Every time you give money, have them sign a contract - even if it just states that you are giving them money for XXX. Give your parents a copy and keep a copy yourself. It might help solidify the fact that you are giving them money for things they should be covering; it's just a way to put into words and write out what is going on that both parties can see (kind of like this blog, but now the parental units are aware of it as well)....just some things to ponder :)
ReplyDeleteNo, no bald spots! I am not sure if she is. My dad "said" she would. He can lie to me in the face like it isn't a big issue, so I honestly do not know. If she does, I'll try to get her to pay me back. I could totally go after my parents legally, trust me. But I can't bring myself to do that. My credit card debt and most of my student loan debt is from my mother misusing money. I have credit cards SHE opened with my name and info, that I inherited (exhibit CC1, CC2 and L2). They ARE aware of the money they're shorting me on, but they just don't see anything wrong with it. I'd rather NOT get engaged than have them realize things...
DeleteAHHH I would yell at you, but of course I'm no better. P.S. going to see my mother tonight...
ReplyDeleteSorry, sorry! Good luck with visiting your mother. I still can't pull myself to do that voluntarily.
DeleteTanner, this leaves me speechless. Well, not really, but I can't say anything about this. You need to stop them from treating you like this. It's not okay. It should be your car.
ReplyDeleteSorry to disappoint you, ND... I completely understand. It wasnt my plan to do this, and I was blindsighted since I had never considered the event that the car wouldnt be for me (hence my money would be spent) or my sister (and I would've gotten repaid).
DeleteOuch ouch ouch! I'm sad just reading this. So, I guess lesson learned is next time YOU want a car for yourself just go buy it yourself with your money and totally without their involvement? I'm not sure what got ingrained in you that you feel such a monetary obligation to your parents, but I truly hope that one day you can separate your money from their lives. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThat was my original intent... I really want to buy a car for myself, all on my own.
DeleteThis is one of those times where I never know what to tell you friend. One thing I do admire is how you keep going strong and never give up, you may trip a million times but you always try to look up and keep going forward.
ReplyDeleteYou've made some great strides with your finances and it pains me to see you being held back and not by your own fault. I only wish things were easier on you when it comes to your parents. Since they bought a car, does this mean the one you were using before will only be for you now(if I remember clearly, your car had broke down and you were borrowing your dad's car)?
I guess I could now consider the loaner car I have (which, you are right, is my parents') my own, but it just doesn't feel that way. You bring up a really good point and I should think about considering this vehicle/loaner my own, and no longer theirs.
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