Odds are, if you are currently in college, you may not be the richest person in the world. College and being broke go hand in hand. It’s like they were made for each other. And thanks to student loans, most college grads STILL know the feeling. There comes a time during your college career where it becomes very apparent that if you don’t get some cash, things could go very south. It’s important to exhaust every legal method of acquiring some cash, however, sometimes you have to make that call to Mom and Dad. Nobody likes to do it, but occasionally it may be necessary. ForRentUniversity.com has some tips to make it less awkward for everyone.
A great place to start is the truth. Picture this, you come up with the ultimate excuse and they send you money. However, they are parents so eventually they will find out the truth and will be way less likely to help you out in the future. If you blew all your cash on parties, just be honest. Is there an emergency? Do you need more money for books? Just tell them. It shows them you are taking responsibility, owning up to mistakes and learning life lessons. If you lie to them constantly, though, they will begin to see right through it.
Offer to pay them back! Think of it as a loan. Even if they refuse the offer of being paid back, it shows them that you are truly understanding the value of a dollar. It shows that you know they aren’t an ATM and that you expect to work for what you are given. Parents LOVE responsibility.
As with all things in life, be thankful. You aren’t a child anymore, have some gratitude and thank them for the help they have already given you, even if they don’t send you money this time around. Thoughtfulness goes a long way.
Finally, as counterintuitive as it sounds, don’t ask them at all. Find another source of income and prove your independence. There are tons of part-time jobs out there that are just waiting for eager college students. Showing your parents that you are willing to work just may be the catalyst they need to send some cash your way.
College isn’t just for higher learning or parties. It’s a four-year phase (sometimes five or six…) of becoming an adult. Things change a lot between freshman year and graduation. There is nothing wrong with asking for help from your parents, as long as you truly need it. However, nothing feels quite as good as earning it for yourself.