How about “Earn money now, buy later?”
My son and his wife found themselves in the perfect storm.
Medical bills and car repairs hit simultaneously, depleting their small savings account. They have been married 2 years and have been carrying their apartment and bills with no problem, including maximum contributions to their retirement accounts while building savings.
Then the kitten, a birthday present for my son, got into the pantry and into the chemicals. My daughter-in-law was distraught because she was the one who accidentally the pantry door open in the morning while putting together her lunch for work and found the kitten lethargic and mewling miserably when she came home.
She called me in tears.
I told her take the kitten (who is loving, playful, and quite adorable) to the emergency vet. Once she had a diagnosis, have them call me. I gave my husband a heads up and he agreed; we would pay for the kitten’s bill - $450.
They are back up to $2K in savings, a now healthy kitten hitched a ride with my kids to my house for Thanksgiving, and everyone was happy.
It was the first time they asked for anything since they got married. I was happy to help.
On the flip side, I know young people who are lounging around all day, not working, sucking off their parents. I have no respect for them and wouldn’t give them a dime.