“Man Offers 10% of His $4K Salary to Mum, Faces Disappointment as She Says “Only 10%?” “

SINGAPORE: A man recently shared his experience on social media after his mother expressed disappointment when he offered her 10% of his $4,000 monthly salary. Posting on NUSWhispers on March 31, he explained that he no longer lives with his parents and thought the allowance would be appreciated as a token of support. However, his mother’s response—“only 10%?”—left him feeling deflated.

Following this, his mother began sending him articles on children contributing 20% or more to their parents, often accompanied by messages about a mother’s sacrifices. Although he attempted to discuss his own contributions with her, she insisted he simply read the articles without responding.

Providing further context, he shared that he had been financially independent since junior college and funded his university education himself. Despite his mother’s reminder that she had given her parents more than 10% in the past, he noted that living costs were lower back then, leaving him feeling torn between family expectations and his own financial goals.

Supportive commenters advised him to give only what he felt comfortable with. “Ignore those messages and continue with your 10% contributions,” one user commented, emphasizing the importance of saving for his future. Others suggested he spend quality time with his parents instead of focusing on regular financial contributions, or to consider his mother’s intentions, sharing stories of parents who saved the allowances given by their children for future support.

Ultimately, the online discussion highlighted the balance between familial support and financial independence, with users encouraging the man to navigate these expectations with a focus on his own financial well-being.