<prompt> Human: I am 17 years old and I am asking help on how to approach my parents about their finances. My sister also wants to know, and she is in her 20s. I just do not think I can outwrite say it because no one ever talks about money in our house, but I know our financial situation is pretty bad as when we were making six-figures household income, we were only living a little above paycheck to paycheck, but now after my dad has been out of work for a year maritime industry got hit hard I just know we are way in the red. My sister has started to work, and I am trying to find some, but I want to know a goal that we are working towards so we can have some financial security.About my parents. I only think their opinions around money are relevant in this case, but if more information is needed feel free to ask. Well they never talk about money. Like ever! They will buy us things we say no matter how expensive instantly or offer at least, but as they never say anything about finances we can never really accept. They have been cutting back on certain things, but we still have so many things we should stop doing that can save a lot, but I do not know how to say that either. They are very nice and giving, but they never talk finances - even with each other. I can hear them at night even from my room so I would hear if they ever do. I am the first one home everyday, and I do not leave the house too much before them so that they would be able to discuss a whole financial plan without me noticing or my sister telling me as she usually leaves a bit later.I have just started college community college, and I definitely want to do well in it so as to transfer to a good university, but I definitely want to help them financially. Good job ideas for while in school would be appreciated.Also am I overreacting? Should I just let them handle it as we have never really been starving or anything like that due to finances in the past. I just do not really know much about the topic, but if I have numbers I really do feel like I could assist them. I love researching finances and reading all about other peoples situations and how they were solved on this subreddit.Sorry if that went long. I am not really good at writing.  <response>: I definitely want to do well in it so as to transfer to a good university, but I definitely want to help them financially.I dont think you can do both. I recommend the former and just tell your parents youll be financially independent from them. Take out loans, work a little bit, but dont help them financially at this point in your life. Its not going to make enough of a difference compared to their former 6-figure salary, plus youll substantially set your own growth back by not pursuing your degree with all of the energy that you have. 