u/BigInside9818

So basically, my older cousin has a business that I don’t fully understand. All I know is that it involves some type of investing and earning interest. She asked me to reach out to my dad to see if he’d be interested. Her first text is literally “Hey, I have something to ask you, but don’t tell this to your Mom”.

My dad is fairly wealthy, but he hasn’t really been present in my life. He only recently came back into contact with me because I needed money for school. At first, I was completely against reaching out because I barely knew anything about him and was so sure he would just say no. But my mom was really worried about paying for my tuition, so when I finally reached out, he actually surprised me. He was super nice and fully supported my schooling.

He even told me I could call him if I ever had any concerns. He didn’t really specify what he meant, but I’m guessing financially or maybe just in general.

The tuition money is sent internationally to a bank account that’s under my name, but since I’m still a minor, my mom manages it. Honestly, ever since that money started coming in, things became easier. My mom seemed less stressed and stopped talking to me about our financial struggles as much.

The money was originally supposed to be for my tuition, but it ended up being used for rent, groceries, and even car expenses. I agreed to it because I understood that my mom was struggling financially, but at the same time, I felt like I couldn’t really say no. I had originally planned to just take out loans for school and pay everything back once I got a job before ever asking my dad for help.

My mom and I even had a heated argument about money, which had never happened before. Ever since then, anything involving money stresses me out. Every time I buy something or even eat, I think about how it’s coming out of the money that was supposed to be for my tuition. My mom explained that she’s on a tight budget, so I understand why she used it. I don’t really blame her, but sometimes I still feel like I’m just a burden. I don’t know if I’m just being too sensitive or if those feelings are valid.

Anyway, after all that stress, I did reach out to my dad about my cousin’s business. He never replied, so I just gave my cousin his phone number instead.

Fast forward, they ended up meeting briefly because, according to my cousin, my dad was a busy man. She later called me and told me that during their meeting, my dad said he hadn’t received any messages from me, but that he was interested in investing in whatever business she has.

Then she told me that my dad said to just give the interest money to me as my allowance, which is really nice, but my cousin doesn’t want my mom to know because she had previously asked my mom to invest in her business, and my mom said no. She also told me that my dad said not to tell my mom because he’s worried it might damage or strain our relationship. But honestly, I feel like our relationship would be even more damaged if I kept it from her and she found out later. The problem is that I’m terrified my mom will eventually find out anyway.

Since I’m still a minor, my bank account and debit card are all managed by my mom. She checks the banking app literally every single day. If money suddenly appears in my account, she’s definitely going to ask where it came from.

I don’t even have access to my own account. I’m not allowed to look at it, and I don’t even have the debit card. So if my dad sends me money every month, either my mom is eventually going to find out, or I have to wait until I turn 18 to open my own bank account. I’ve thought about apps like PayPal or Wise, but as far as I know, you have to be 18 to use them for international transfers.

I’m honestly so stressed. I also feel guilty because it feels like I’m betraying my mom by not telling her. But at the same time, I’m scared she’ll get really angry if I tell her now, and I’m even more scared she’ll get even angrier if she finds out later.

My cousin told me that it’s ultimately my choice whether I tell my mom or not. At first, I planned on keeping it a secret, but now I’m having second thoughts. Should I tell my mom, or should I keep it to myself? 💔

My SHEIN item was stolen. I wouldn’t really call it a package since there was only one item inside, but it was pretty expensive—around $25. I’m really distressed because this was my first order from SHEIN. I know it was delivered to the correct address because the driver provided proof of delivery with a photo of my house. The strange thing is that it was a small item, but instead of placing it inside my mailbox, where I usually request small deliveries to be left, it was left outside. I don’t know what to do now, especially since SHEIN won’t refund me without proof. But what proof am I supposed to provide when I don’t have a camera or any photos or videos showing someone stealing it?