Am I wrong in this situation (parents keep "borrowing" money)?

there is this wonderful thing called "direct deposit". get it---your check will go directly into your bank acct.

I'd also look into moving in with a friend or relative who will not take your money. threaten emancipation proceedings if they insist you come back.

wow..family...gotta love it!

Ask that your office directly deposit your pay check into your bank account. Then set up your bank account so with every deposit a certain percent gets transferred to your savings account in the same bank. You never have to tell your parents about the separate savings account. If they ask for money, you can show them the account you have your paycheck deposited into. Remember, even though the government is taking out a certain percentage from your paycheck, often you will also end up paying extra on April 15 when you have to file your tax returns so you need to have some extra money for that too.

Since you are still living at home, you should be contributing a little to the household income--but not your whole paycheck. Determine what would be a fair amount since you have to pay for commuting to work, etc. In fact, you NEED to write out a budget just for yourself because once you are on your own you'll need a budget or end up just like your parents and never have enough money for anything, and never know where your paychecks all goes to. Also remind them that you have to save extra money so when they throw you out at 18, you will have enough money to live on. Considering you are still underage, I would think $200 per month would be enough to cover your portion of the rent and food.

Wow. I was going to tell you to save your money so you can move out; but they would take it all from you. When you are 18 I think you have different legal rights to your own money. Check with a legal aid society in your local area. ( free advice) Do you have any other adults you trust who could help you with this or let you stay with them? Can you have your work direct deposit into an account that your parents wont know about when you are 18? Gee that is very very sick. Just try to think. I mean to me getting out of their home is more important even than a car at this point. Only then will you be free. Seek help now before you are 18 from child protective services and see what they say.

Your stuck.

Time to leave.

Find another living arrangement.

Become an emancipated minor. Go to the county courthouse and ask how you can become an emancipated minor.

It will be cheaper in the long run.

You could do a room share with someone that would be MUCH cheaper.

Look on Craigslist.com under room/shares. Get a shared room or an efficiency apartment....or even get some roommates in a place.

Your not the first kid to face this.

Be strong.

I would start by going to the bank yourself and asking if there isn't some way you can secure the account for your access only. Then make sure your pay is direct deposited to the account; bring no check or money home with you.

I'm sorry your parents are such lousy leeches. I hope you turn out better.

Go to the bank first and don't tell them how much the check is. Give them some money but not everything. You need it to make a life for yourself. Like the others said, you should concentrate on your education and being independent rather than a car, sadly.

I'm sorry to say it but you are wrong. As long as you live in their home you should incline yourself to help out. However if you want the lifestyle of your parents to change. Sit them down and tell them with respect. I know you have such a well thought out plan, but maybe just wait a little longer to get that car. Synergy is key.

just tell them