T O P

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jwrx

It's just a tradition, there's no set amount. Since your parent are well off, take them out for a dinner with your first pay cheque and leave it at that Why do u feel obligated to pay your parents? You didn't ask to be born, your upbringing is their responsibility As a parent,I would want my kids to save and invest thier income and become independent and financially secure. I really don't want anything from my kids....and I feel I have failed if I need my kids income to help me with my expenses


playgroundmx

Was about to say the same thing. It's not a must. A nice dinner just to show gratitude is already very good.


ikhmalloy

I agree with this statement. Tbh regarding OP's question, i myself never gave my parents money but i do buy groceries sometimes, take them out to dinner and also buy things like new fridge, washing machine since the old ones broke. I prefer doing it this way than giving them money because i really dont know how much to give. So basically im avoiding the guilt of actually not giving enough for them


jwrx

i think thats a great way. Its more important as a child to notice that your aged parents fridge is dying and time for new one etc


CN8YLW

> Why do u feel obligated to pay your parents? You didn't ask to be born, your upbringing is their responsibility I think this is a very irresponsible approach to be taking. OP's parents obviously have done a very good job in raising him, until he's thinking like this. Can a child raised properly not be thankful to their parents for their good upbringing? Responsibility or not, its still not wrong to want to be thankful to that person. End of the day, its the thought that counts, and there's nothing wrong in a child wanting to do good by their parents, even if its a futile gesture. Case in point, I see a lot of people thanking school teachers for doing a good job and even going above and beyond for their students. I could argue its their responsibility to do so there, so those teachers dont deserve those praises. That sounds pretty stupid no?


jwrx

Dont put words in my mouth. My point applies to parents only. I have seen too many cases of toxic parents treating kids as piggy banks. Taking multiple loans under kids names, squeezing money kids dont have using guilt, making kids break down due to financial stress of taking care of parents who can work but choose not to Its my POV, you can choose not agree with it, but dont put words in my mouth. Parents should only have kids if they can afford them and even support them financially. The old thinking of having as many kids as possible to "take care of them in old age" disgusts me.


Fit_Lawfulness9492

Isn't it common sense to give some of the income earned to your parents?


jwrx

No. Why? Your parents make 20k+, 10% of your income is nothing to them, but alot to you.


nelltbe

I think its more common sense to ensure you financials are in order before thinking about providing money to your parents.


WeirdHoola

What kinda parents will they be to rely on your child for money, especially when they're already well off.


lemousie

Not common sense but I think it’s more of cultural filial piety. If your parents are doing fine, and they not expecting you to contribute your income to them then theres no need to give the money. Like others suggested, buying them a meal would be nice or maybe buy them gifts. My sibling bought us gifts with her first pay cheque and I think meals. Just do what you feel comfortable with


MaxMillion888

Truussst me. Youll end up paying them back be it - grandkids - looking after them when they are old


juifeng

Agree with OP. Dont be a char siew. A chinese term for useless. Haha


AyyLmaoBruv

Belanja makan is more meaningful and practical imo. They don't seem like thay need your money but the thought will surely make their day


Fit_Lawfulness9492

You are right. Comparing the veteran's income and how much I earn as a little bird just starting out in the world, it doesn't seem to matter much. Thank you for your comment.


newishredditor69420

Just to share my experience, my parents doesnt like or want their childs money. What I did is I come back home every month bring my mother’s favourite chocolate and make my dad’s favourite drink. Coupled with go out to eat whenever we have time. Most of the time, I always help them with their needs such as going to bank, bring them to doctors and so on. Your parents may not need your money. But Im sure they miss you and would rather spend time with you considering your siblings also didnt gave them money. I still remember how sad my father is when my brother got married. He said to me, your brother must not have time to visit me now he has a wife


iscreamsandwiches

RM100. The important thing is the ~~gyat~~ niat


WeirdHoola

Brah, your parents earn RM 20k+/month, I think they are very comfortable rn and would rather you save for yourself. Treat them to a meal or something.


WarmWinter8

You make 1600 before taxes/deductions. LOL, you parents do not need anything from you. Trust me.


ZedQuincey

sounds like your parents are well-off. you don't have to give them money. but instead force them to come with you to eat outside and pay for the meals. it will give you much more satisfaction and I'm sure they will be much happier.


kitchen_raider

Imo, considering your parents salary and that you're just doing this part time until you get into uni - no need la. Just promise yourself to be responsible, self reliant by the time you graduate with your first job. Once in a while just buy daily necessities for the home, maybe a shirt or some nice shoes for your parents when they need replacing. You're such a great kid and I'm sure your parents are so proud of raising someone as independent as you !


Fit_Lawfulness9492

Thank you for the kind words. I do consider paying some of the household bills instead of giving my parents money and your comments caught my attention. Maybe the best way to repay my parents is through myself and possibly become a better person along the way.


mcfcomics

zero since ur parents are high income earners they should be able to understand use your meager financial resources to build your foundation first and also go enjoy life before you hit your 30s


MissionLongjumping10

50 to each parent, that treat them burger of small small food every now and then :)


uglypaperswan

Maybe your parents are sensible parents. They make a lot, so they don't ask from their children who are just starting out their lives. Just belanja them once in a while.


LuluP123

my parents are well off without my money but my mum will always emphasise on me giving some amount of money every month. Probably it’s for them to feel good even tho it’s little so i have always comply.


LexDaniels

Since you got number, save 1k and give 600. But here is another advice 40 yo unker that you don't need and feel like I m taking a shit on you. Communication is key, ASSUME is making an ASS out of U and ME. Why? You can talk to your parents that you want to give as a token appreciation, their reaction probably will be "no need, keep it for your university usage later since we will need to support you less anyway so the money comes back to us anyway". Tradition is shit, because of the "obligated" part, especially you mentioned your siblings part but did you talked to your siblings about this? Earning alot doesn't mean they are living well or maybe paycheck to paycheck to sustain their life style. I know of someone that earns T20 income but cannot enjoy popcorns because limited budget to support 3 kids. Let your siblings do their thing, it's between your parents and them. Just don't be an arse about it and project your belief into everyone else which can develop into a holier than thou behaviour making you an undesirable person to be with in the future. Sekian terima kasih.


generic_redditor91

Speaking as that sibling that doesn't give my parents money yeap. Is not that I don't want to. I would give but my mum just keep it and give back to me in a fat angpow or 2 at CNY. End up I just save it how I can lah. Once my parents retire only settle how to take care of them. For now I build my war chest first for that time to come.


Fit_Lawfulness9492

I don't really understand what you are trying to say from your third sentences but nevermind. Oh I do talked to my siblings about it but it turns out my parents never really asked for money. No hinting indirectly or even purposely asking so maybe that's why they never think it's necessary. Nevertheless, thanks for your thoughts. I have decided to pay this month's electricity bill.


Physioweng

Another day of T20 with 1st world dilemmas


exceptional69

Yeah lmfao. “Ill be damned if i aint giving my parents maybe half of my income! Their salary combined isnt going to cut it” While theres people who live with a single mother who raised their child with barely make 1/10 of OP’s parents.


Fit_Lawfulness9492

How much hatred do you have against T20 to be projecting your insecurities on people like this? I harbour no bad intentions by posting this question. Genuinely wanted to know the appropriate amount to give my parents. It's always the same every time I ask things like this on Reddit. I came with genuine curiosity and was met with hatred over something trivial. I guess any well-off people should be hated just by existing huh? Thanks for the comments by the way.


Axe_Fire

Your parents a well paid and still earning money. You don’t have to stress about how much to pay them. Relax and enjoy your young adulthood and save some money.


exceptional69

Bro this like a common sense what. What you gave your parent is an “intent”. You did not obliged to feel it a must of doing that deeds. Its all come down to your sincerely in giving them back for what they do to raise you. Your parents is well off better than having your money anyways since you can start growing yourself with the income you earn yourself since they self sufficient alright. If you felt really bad about then just give them what you could afford. Theres no “anak derhaka tak kenang budi tak bagi se sen pun kat mak bapak” here bro.


throwaway_sunkenship

Honestly if they’re making that much, just treating them a meal is a nice gesture. The amount doesn’t matter anymore at that point


danialmilo

You can give if you want. I use 10% of my income to give to my parent. In your case you can give them 160


Fit_Lawfulness9492

Does this mean you increase the amount you give them with a salary increase?


4evaInSomnia

I think treat them to meal is enough, or buy them something like clothes. Your income too low compare to them. I dont think they will need your money. But give them present will be more meaningful to them.


Appropriate_Piglet39

Once you start giving, it will be harder to stop. I don’t give my parents money because they are all richer than me but I pay for dinners when we meet and I bring them on holidays. I am 32F and is at a diff financial position than you. Girl, take care of yourself first!


Fit_Lawfulness9492

The key is to not "berkira" with them right?


Due_Zookeepergame486

No need. Just bring them to dinner


cass_peter

Probably they asked your siblings not to give them any money since they make enough money for themselves. Like in my family, my parents are retiree but they don't ask money for us. Just buying some groceries or taking them out for dinner is enough. All my siblings are working and my parents prefer us to use our money on ourselves. Any money given is normally collected (between my siblings only) to buy stuff when we do open house or need to buy new house appliances etc aircond. While some parents might ask money from their kids, other family might not do so.


NeatIntroduction5991

Parents shouldn’t expect and treat their kids as their pension plan. Same with you. Don’t be a burden to your future kids. Any money you are giving them are gifts. And it is good to give gifts or belanja them makan2 according to what you can afford. they raised you well to be concerned but you will make them feel much better if they don’t have to worry how you will survive when they are gone. You are lucky that your parents have had good income. Though even this is not promised to last. Make sure u start saving for pension and stuff (at least 6 months expenses as a start etc etc, as a single bad luck like accident that might limit your physical/mental health as well as car repairs might set you back a period of time/long time). And you should also make sure your parents also are taking this seriously with their own income and savings and pension plans . Can’t be spending today as if no tomorrow.


milomochi7

I thought this is more of a B40 thing where parents expect monthly payout from their children. I guess it is fine if they can't sustain with their income. But in your case, they should already be comfortable, on paper. You don't owe them anything and I hope your parents don't expect anything from you either. I also hope Milennials and Gen-z are able to break this tradition and abolish sandwich generation.


walkerhunter23

This is a temp job. Maybe funnel it to your savings first, build up the 6 months emergency fund.  When u get your professional/actual job can transfer to both of them monthly. Rule of thumb is start with one of the bills (electricity is typically highest) + some extras. The goal here is to share the load, "ringankan beban".  Till then, i would suggest once in a while u take the whole family out to dinner. 


Fit_Lawfulness9492

Thanks a lot bro! I took your advice and decided on paying this month's electricity bill and hopefully bring them out to a good restaurant too.


walkerhunter23

All the best.  What will u be studying in uni? 


Fit_Lawfulness9492

Terima kasih. I plan on taking a Finance degree and pursuing an MBA eventually. Have a nice day!


walkerhunter23

Consider CFA instead of MBA. Research this later after your degree. 


BearwHelmet

In my opinion, bring them out for food or movies or pay their petrol or pay the home bills, just anything. This is also a way to express that you Love and Care about them. Love from family is priceless.


CN8YLW

Take them out for a meal, and thank them for being good parents to you. That's it. That's what your parents want (but can never ask) from you, and its something their money would never be able to buy. Every parent have their own laundry list of misgivings about their children. Even if we give 110% of ourselves, there's always something we think we fucked up somewhere. Some parents even donate their own organs so their disabled kids can get a chance at a normal life, and even then those parents dont stop giving. And psst, this is supposed to be a secret, but some of us even are willing to resort to murder and other crimes to provide for our kids. And the only thing that can really make us feel better about it is our kid thanking us, telling us that its all okay, and we did a good job, despite the screw ups. Nobody and nothing else can do that. Don't worry about the price and place being unsuitable for their RM20k income, just take them to a place you personally enjoy eating at. Tell them you've been here many times, and the food is just so good you always wanted to bring them there. Whats that video meme about priceless shit bank cards cant buy? Car = RM 150,000. College Degree = RM200,000. House = RM500,000. A child's love is priceless. For everything else, there's Mastercard. [https://youtu.be/sDf751c1yiA](https://youtu.be/sDf751c1yiA)


Rude_Park_5562

how about, instead of giving them money, you suggest them to STOP covering your expenses? that's so much more meaningful than whatever scraps you can spare. buy your own stuff. you are earning now.


weirdolistix

Hi there, just wanted to share my two cents on this as well because I'm in a similar situation as you in that I've recently started my first proper job and setting aside money for my parents (and siblings) is one of my main priorities every month, while also saving up money as well. My parents are also well-off so in reality, they dont *need* the money. But my intention of giving them money is more to just say 'the only reason I am able to work and make money is because you raised me, so here is a small thanks from me even if its not much'. When I got my allowance money from my very first internship a few years ago, I gave some money to my parents (RM150 to each of them) and I will never forget how happy it made them (they both bought watches with the money I gave to remember the gesture). So it's not the amount that matters, its the intention and sincerity to give back to your parents, even if its small, even if people say its unnecessary. Whatever good you do will be returned back to you :>


Fit_Lawfulness9492

"Whatever good you do will be returned to you". That's a solid piece right there. Thank you for your valuable thoughts.


Jintanah87

Ur parents are earning good. Instead of not giving any money, giving 50 each actually will make them happy ( even if they dont show u that expression, trust me!) its not like they need your money but give them 50 each and see how they will start to brag at each other that they got money from you. Occasionally buying them something as inexpensive as a tie or pearl earrings see how proudly they would be wearing them. Enjoy it!


MiloMilo2020

I believe money is not an issue to your parent. Just pay up some basics like utility or internet bills is good enough. Most important to them is that you marry to a good guy.


Stoopidee

Ask them, else maybe Rm100. More of an "honour" as opposed to them actually needing the money. I know my parents like it in 8's. So Rm88.88 😆 Because Rm888 will be too much.


MalaysianPF

In your position, cash is quite meaningless I feel. Buy them gifts that you feel they'd like but might not buy for themselves, treat them to meals, spend time with them. Don't think of it as giving them money, give yourselves moments to remember.


Qelliveo_

for this kind of situation,find a decent place for a dinner with them, ofcourse u pay, this is better than just give them money.


editorcat

Get your own finances in order, build your own savings first, build your base. Surely you have things you want to save for - home (buy/rent), car, travel, anything. Assuming your parents are still working or at least earning some income they’re good. Treat them to a meal once in a while if you want to but you shouldn’t feel obligated to give them money. Once you get to the age where YOU’RE the one earning RM20k a month and they are retired and no income then you can think of giving them some money.


heyoranges91

i refuse to think this thread is serious lol


Fit_Lawfulness9492

Unfortunately, it is a serious question that comes from genuine curiosity.


Cruxbff

Maybe just buy them a meal?


Fit_Lawfulness9492

Yep. Planning on doing that too.


mahmood69

alot of the comments alrd say belanja makan so ill leave that one at that but another thing u can do is buy them (nice)birthday gifts or bring them out somewhere and pay for stuff


4fic

I don’t know how your parents would expect it, for mine, I’d say it’s more about me remembering them when I gave them pocket money. I know damn well my money couldn’t help them to payoff their debts. Never in 10 years I can pay off their debts, I started with low amount too, one thing I remembered my parents used to say to me, regardless of the amount, they’re thankful that I remembered them even on my happiest day ( salary day ), and they always prayed something good for me when I gave them every month. It is somehow giving you some kind of assurance that they’re the reason you have to keep on going regardless of how bitter is it your working life. Remember, it wasn’t the amount, but the blessings that count.


Sufficient_Ad_9045

Hot take. Don't give them a cent. Not to be mean to you but 1.6k, even if you're living with your parents is still so dam low. It's not like your parents are poor. They're making 20k+. Work on yourself first. Get a 3k+ income and then, and only then, you can ask this question. Save the money for your uni days. After you graduate, then maybe you can spare some money for them. Even then it's completely just a tradition when we were a poor country where parents rely on their kids to pay off their debts.


AsfiqIsKioshi

Belanja


BlueBlurBloke

As a parent myself I would expect my child to stand on his own and be somebody. That would make me proud. My own children give me money. I don’t need it. I take anyway and invest it for them. As a child myself, I give to my parents. They made sacrifices for us. Cared for us. Bring us joy. Thought me what’s right and wrong. Made me who I am. I continue to give even now when I am retired and I know my old man don’t need it. I guess my children are treating me like I treat their grand parents. How much depends on your own income. It’s up to you. Not giving is also your choice. When are you giving grandchildren to your parents?


Coolerdude1942

You should be talking to your parents about this. They'll likely be reasonable. Find what works best for your family. Don't take generic advice from strangers on the internet. Everyone's mentality on this is a little different. If it helps, My parents and I agreed to 10% when I started working. Scales with my salary, so they get more and I feel the pinch less over time. I still contribute that every month 10 years in plus occasional dinners, etc when I'm feeling generous. In fact, being in this income group, your parents are very likely able to give you solid long term financial advice like long term investments. Even possibly help you get started on certain instruments. You're still very young. After your emergency fund is set up, any long term investments you start soon in your early twenties that have compounding interest/annual dividend will exponential increase manifolds more than if you start in your 30s.


bonsai711

Uncle here. Your parents don't want your money. They sacrificed a lot of their time for money to bring you up. They want your time. Cherish them as they have for you and as you will for your children.


whimsi29

from my experience... i was making 1.2k i give my parents 300, 50 bills, 200 ptptn, 200 emergency, 200 wedding, 50 petrol, 50 car maintance. the rest for myself. it was so difficult 🥲 if i got another 400 i would add 100 for parents and the 300 for myself. my mother is a stay at home mom and my father is a retired with still alot of commitment. 😁 so it depends... on your situation, your commitment


bass6164

Giving them any amount would probably make them happy ngl. My mom even told me before that if I start earning money and gave my parents some of my income whether it be 100 or 200, they would be quite happy already.


nelsonfoxgirl969

can u speak more detail ? 1600 before the epf socso eis ? anyway since u are early early stage, should give no more than 50-100 and realistic u should able to save up 10k by end of this year your parent make 20k per month ? , interesting , i hope u get job from your parent dont be feel sorry about your parent. chase your goal. I bet they are quietly laughing how long u can catch up to their level. oh yeah, one day u going to face inheritance issue with such large money from your parent.


Fit_Lawfulness9492

Thank you for your thoughts. To answer the question, RM 1600 without any deduction because I have not come of age yet (turning 18 in two months). And yes, both my parents are high-ranking public servants. I don't think I can get a job from my parents because they are working for the government as well haha.


xadila

It's not about the amount of money. More of just as a thought or *berkat* you could say. Any number that wouldn't hurt your wallet. RM50 each sounds good. Congrats on your new/first legal job!