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submitted 1 month ago by floofloof@lemmy.ca to c/usa@lemmy.ml
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[-] sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works 0 points 1 month ago

Why 21?

And yes, I agree student debt shouldn't be a thing, but the solution imo isn't to make education free, but to make student loans dischargable in bankruptcy.

kids should not be working to buy a gaming console

Why not? It teaches them the value of labor, which is extremely useful in transitioning to adult life. I learned the value of hard work, and that has helped me immensely in my life. I don't want to get into debt because I want my labor to mean more than a line item on a bank's financial books. I understand the value of investing, because I want my money to work for me.

I had access to other video games as a kid, but I wanted something specific and the condition was I had to earn it. I also wanted to drive a car, but I was responsible to pay for gas and thus needed a job. My parents paid my tuition, but I was reasonable to pay for my room and board. I wanted a cell phone, so I bought one with the money I earned. I got a credit card at 18 (parents co-signed) and a second in school, and never once paid interest and had a great credit score so I could buy a house earlier (bought at 25?). I got married before finishing school, at which point I took complete responsibility for paying my way through school.

I worked my way through college, and I think that made me actually value that educational experience. I had a vested interest to get something out of it, and I was set up to succeed when I landed my own job because I already knew how to manage my finances. I learned to live frugally and not waste my money on nonsense, because I understood the work to get that money.

So I absolutely will be providing my kids work experience, whether on the books or not (we have an allowance system at home based on chores). I think it's more valuable to work outside the family, just because there's that added level of accountability (Mom and Dad probably won't fire you, but that other boss would). I've heard horror stories of parents stealing their kids' money, so that's where my focus is in terms of legislation.

this post was submitted on 08 May 2024
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United States | News & Politics

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