Thread: Just a quick rant!

Tweet

Originally Posted by jyardgirl

I have a girlfriend whos niece was given a car when she turned 16. ............ I think that they need to add a general discussion to the drivers ed classes in high school about maintenance.

Most of us worked hard for our cars, so we want to keep them! Lots of kids today, get their first cars as a gift. Since the have no vesting in the purchase they tend not to care for them.(not all kids, but most of my friends who have given a car to their kids have experienced the absolute neglect of that gift.) My coworker did something really cool with her daughter. She matched her dollar for dollar, in buying her first car. Her daughter worked her butt off, and got a nice new car, with savings, work money and what her mom gave her. She takes good care of her car.
A friend once told me the worst gift you can give your kids is money/inheritance. He was a successfull buisness man who earned his fortune, his kids were never motivated to do anything, just waiting for him to die, and cash out quick! So he cut them off. They don't like him much, but I respect him!
Jyard I'm sad reading about your girlfiends kid, because I was raised by my mom, who worked herself to death supporting us. She made it clear, that if we wanted cars growing up, we'd have to buy them, maintain them and insure them. What a great gift that was! Taught me work ethics, the ability to save toward something big, not get it instantly - patience, and responsibility to others on the road by being insured. I still love my 68 mustang, I bought in High School, rebuilt the engine, and restored to stock back then.

we matched our 14 year old dollar for dollar. he got a 75 pontiac astre. needs work but he loves it. By the time that he starts to drive he will know how to do most things on the car and maybe he will be kind to it as he will know what it takes to keep it that way.

Well said, you guy's are great parents!
Wish all those trustfunder's were the same!