Couples Saved $400,000 For Their Son's College Fund, But When He Decided to Pursue Entrepreneurship Instead, They Hold His Money Hostage and Refuse to Let Him Have It.

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When the Original Poster (OP) and his wife started their son’s college fund, they never anticipated his outright refusal of higher education nor his determination to venture into entrepreneurship using the amassed funds. The climax intensifies when the son disappears unexpectedly, only for his parents to discover his secret efforts toward a compromise. The question remains: will they release the funds and support his dream?

Lessons Learned

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When OP was a teenager, he escaped an unhealthy atmosphere at home and moved in with his girlfriend’s family. Her father graciously took him under his wing and trained him in his home renovation business.

Anticipation of a Journey

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Now a successful man, OP, and his wife eagerly anticipate their son’s upcoming graduation from a private high school. After heavily investing in his education, OP expects his son to continue to an Ivy League university.

The Plan

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The couple, led by OP’s dream, had begun saving for their son’s college fund the moment they discovered the pregnancy, and over the years, it has grown to nearly $400,000. OP was proud of the gift he would give his son of graduating college without debt.

A Different Path

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Raised to be independent, their son surprises them with his decision not to attend college or even trade school. Instead, he plans to carve his path, untouched by the academic expectations usually imposed by society.

Denying the Family Business

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OP’s son rejects joining his parents’ thriving business, wanting to make his own mark on the world. His mind is set on his own goals, showing his determination to break the mold and do things his way.

Dream of Entrepreneurship

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He reveals his plan to use his college fund to start his own business. His vision is set on making his mark in entrepreneurship, independent of his parents’ influence. He has self-confidence and an outline of a business plan to back his goals.

Conditioned Support

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OP agrees to support his son’s endeavor on one condition: the son must attend business management, accounting, and law classes at a local community college. OP believes this knowledge will be crucial for his son’s success.

A Business Plan

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In addition to the classes, OP insists on seeing a detailed, well-thought-out business plan before releasing the funds. This proposal aligns with his belief in the importance of a solid strategy for the success of any business venture.

The Unanimous Agreement

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OP’s wife stands in full agreement with her husband. They believe this plan is the best way to ensure their son’s dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare of financial mismanagement. They aim to provide him with the foundation needed for a successful business.

Clash of Perspectives

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However, their son perceives their conditions as an attempt to control his life. He feels betrayed by his parents, accusing them of holding his college fund hostage. Despite the accusations, OP and his wife stand by their decision, believing they are acting in their son’s best interests.

Disruptive Event

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Suddenly, their son disappears for several days, leaving them worried. The son’s sudden disappearance without any notice leaves his parents in turmoil. They fear for his safety, yet they wonder if his decision to leave is somehow tied to their disagreement over his college fund.

An Unexpected Discovery

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After days of worry, they discover their son has enrolled in the local community college and started attending classes. He has been taking the very classes his parents suggested without their knowledge.

Finding Common Ground

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The family finds common ground, with the son embracing his entrepreneurial spirit while respecting his parents’ wisdom. Despite their differences, they form a unified front, setting the stage for a new chapter in their lives.

Was The Father’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts his story online for feedback. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “You’re trying to help him get and stay on a good track in life. You even offered to pay for the classes out of pocket and not from the college fund. He’s lucky to have your guidance.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “You and your wife are INCREDIBLY generous and have set super reasonable guidelines of how you’d like the money to be spent. Not to mention, if he started a business, there is a good chance it would not even take off.”

A Third View on The Story

A different person stated, “It is not his college fund. It is his parents’ money saved for his future. Already, you are being very open-minded about not mandating college. The classes seem a bare minimum safety before handing a teenager almost half a million dollars.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “You asked him to show proof he understands what he is doing with his so-called business. Let him get a job and learn responsibility before giving him $400,000.”