18yr old birthday & pocket money

maman

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Even if he's doing that, he may find he can't park the car at or even near Uni ...

That's a good point. Here they include an annual bus pass with the rent for student halls.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

For my 18th my Dad gave me a large cheque, which I was only allowed to spend on two options: 1) a car or 2) placed in 3 year bonds which my Dad had researched. I chose the latter and had a nice lump sum to play with when I graduated; paid for some training which allowed me to work abroad.


I haven't driven (or wanted to) since I passed my test in the late 90s. But the qualification's still valid, and you never know when it may come in useful.

maman

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

For my 18th my Dad gave me a large cheque, which I was only allowed to spend on two options: 1) a car or 2) placed in 3 year bonds which my Dad had researched. I chose the latter and had a nice lump sum to play with when I graduated; paid for some training which allowed me to work abroad.


I haven't driven (or wanted to) since I passed my test in the late 90s. But the qualification's still valid, and you never know when it may come in useful.

I think the choice you made at 18 was obviously sound. Certainly having a car at university isn't essential.

Nevertheless, being able to drive is an important skill. Whether you can choose not to drive will depend on where you live and what sort of job opportunities you want to take advantage of. I know someone who didn't drive while he lived and worked in London but found it essential when he moved out of the city (he took an intensive course). I also know someone who doesn't drive and has limited her job choices severely as a result as she can only work somewhere that's well served by public transport.

MEM62

silvercar wrote: »

Why not spend some time with him and build memories rather than throwing money around?

Absolutely this!

Take him away and enjoy making some memories together. Neither of you want to be estranged from the other later in life and regretting it.