I really don't understand why people are beating this man up over his past spending habits. From what I read (and yes, I take him at face value) he and his wife have taken great strides to improve their financial situation. Stop beating them up!!!!


Bob,


I would normally say "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" and take the money, letting them apply it to the student loans or the kid's educational fund.


But, you posted this for an emotional - not financial - reason, and thus I ask "do you Mom and Dad historically have power issues with you over money"? If so, then let them keep their money or fund the kid's education. If this "power issue" is not normally there - then let them pay your student loan and graciously say "thank you".


If their *motives* are legitimate (and only you know this) then while their way may not be the most financially sound way - it is nevertheless $10,000 more than you would have had, so take it.


If there are longstanding emotional issues about money and power - then I would refuse it for myself but offer them the alternative to fudn their grandkids educations. Then the burden is on *them* to show how goodhearted about their money if they follow through with the grandkid's fund.


shulamite