Introduction

A recent social media post has sparked a heated debate about family finances after a Singaporean son revealed a disagreement with his father regarding financial contributions. The young man shared his experience online, stating that his father insists that once a child begins earning a salary, they should contribute 20% of their income to the household.

The Situation at Home

In the post on r/askSingapore, he expressed his doubts about this expectation. He pointed out that his father had "retired" eight years prior for health reasons and had not sought any further income since then. The son's frustrations were compounded by his father's unhealthy lifestyle choices—living in an air-conditioned room, consuming unhealthy food despite diabetes warnings, and requiring family assistance for basic tasks due to medical issues.

Community Reactions

Eager to gauge whether his father's stance was a common expectation among Singaporean families, the son turned to the online community for insight. He asked others about their experiences contributing financially to their families when they began their first full-time jobs.

Responses poured in, with many Reddit users sharing their experiences. The general consensus ranged from 5% to 20% contributions, with one participant stating, "I give my parents 15%, but that's because I can afford it and wanted to; they never demanded money from me." Another shared, "My mom said the same: I should give 20% once I get my first paycheck. I'm willing because I know I wasn’t an easy child, and they provided me with everything." Yet, not everyone agreed with mandatory contributions, with some users claiming that no child should feel obliged to pay their parents monthly, asserting, "This whole concept of giving your parents money is a bit crazy."

Advice for Navigating Family Finances

A few insightful commenters advised the son to sit down with his father to discuss the situation and potentially negotiate the percentage, especially if 20% felt overwhelming to him.

Related Perspectives on Financial Independence

In a related story, the discussion on financial independence continued with another post from a 26-year-old Singaporean woman who expressed her struggle to move out of her divorced father's home. Despite having a stable job in the public sector and $20,000 in savings, she feels tied down as she prioritizes saving for a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat, aiming to purchase her own home by 35.

Conclusion

The topic raises questions about the expectations surrounding financial contributions in familial settings, especially within cultures that emphasize filial responsibility. How much financial support should children provide? And at what age should they prioritize their own financial independence? The debate continues as more individuals share their perspectives online, reflecting the complex dynamics of family, finances, and expectations in modern Singapore.