AITA for not sharing my investments with my family?

Imagine a 17-year-old hustling through high school, slinging plates at his uncle’s restaurant under the soft glow of diner lights, all while stashing away every tip for a bold dream. In a quiet Canadian town, this determined teen transformed his earnings into a down payment for a five-bedroom house, a clever plan to glide through university without the weight of debt. But as move-in day looms, his family’s jealousy brews like a storm on the horizon. They’re pushing for his stepbrother to live rent-free, threatening to upend his carefully crafted strategy.

The sting of guilt tugs at him, especially since his stepbrother faces looming student debt without a scholarship. Yet, giving in could unravel years of sacrifice. Reddit’s buzzing with takes on this clash of ambition and family ties, and it’s easy to see why—this saga of grit and tension hits close to home. Can he hold his ground without breaking the family bond?

‘AITA for not sharing my investments with my family?’

Navigating family expectations while chasing financial independence is like walking a tightrope in a windstorm. This young investor’s story highlights the clash between personal ambition and familial loyalty. His stepbrother’s lack of savings isn’t his fault, but the pressure to share his hard-earned asset is real. As financial planner Wes Moss notes in a 2023 Forbes article, “Financial independence starts with setting boundaries, even with family, to protect your goals.” Here, the OP’s boundary—keeping his house plan intact—is a textbook move to secure his future.

The family’s guilt-tripping stems from their own financial oversight. The stepbrother, despite having a job, spent his earnings elsewhere, unlike the OP’s disciplined saving. This reflects a broader issue: only 44% of Canadians under 25 save regularly, per a 2024 BMO survey. The OP’s choice to prioritize his mortgage over bailing out his stepbrother aligns with Moss’s advice to “prioritize your financial foundation before extending help.”

Still, family dynamics are tricky. The OP’s secrecy about his plans likely fueled the envy, as open communication might have softened the blow. A family therapist, Dr. John Gottman, suggests in his blog that “honest dialogue prevents resentment in family conflicts.” The OP could propose a compromise, like offering his stepbrother a discounted rent later, but free rent risks derailing his plan. He’s wise to stick to his guns, ensuring his investment remains sustainable.

For others in similar spots, Moss recommends clear communication and firm boundaries. If guilt creeps in, consider small gestures—like helping with budgeting tips—without compromising your goals. This balance keeps family ties intact while safeguarding your future.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Reddit’s crew didn’t hold back, serving up a spicy mix of cheers and skepticism. Some hailed the OP as a financial prodigy, while others raised eyebrows at his server earnings. Here’s the unfiltered scoop from the crowd:

These Redditors rallied behind the OP’s hustle but questioned if family pressure might sway him. Some saw the stepbrother’s spending habits as his own misstep; others wondered if the OP’s numbers add up. Do these hot takes nail the issue, or are they just stirring the pot?

This young investor’s story is a masterclass in grit, but it’s also a reminder that family can complicate even the best-laid plans. His choice to protect his investment over easing his stepbrother’s debt shows courage, yet the guilt lingers. Balancing personal goals with family expectations is never easy, but it’s a universal struggle. What would you do if your family asked you to share your hard-earned success? Share your thoughts and experiences below—let’s keep this conversation going!