I’m Using My Savings to Travel the World—My Childfree Daughter Is Furious

When a “childfree” label hides a secret change of heart, the clash with a parent’s hard-earned success and happiness can be devastating. This story from Susanna examines whether a mother should fund a “maybe” that her daughter has spent a decade denying. It’s a raw look at the boundary between supporting your child and finally choosing yourself.

Hey Bright Side,

I worked for decades and managed to save $150K. My original dream was to set it aside for my future grandchildren’s education. However, for over ten years, my daughter has been adamantly, vocally childfree.

We’ve had countless talks about it, and I eventually accepted that I wouldn’t be a grandmother. So, at 68, I decided it was time to live for myself. I started booking the world travels I’d always put off.

The moment she found out, she exploded. She screamed that I was choosing “vacations over her future.” I was completely blindsided until the truth came out: she’s been secretly planning to use that fund to freeze her eggs.

She’s 35 and has started having second thoughts, but because the cycles are $15K each, she just assumed my “grandkid fund” would be her safety net.

She sobbed that by spending this money, I’ve “stolen her future” and her chance to have biological children at 40. She claims she only told everyone she was childfree to avoid social pressure, but always expected that money to be there just in case.

Now, I’m the villain for spending my own savings on my own life.

So, I’m asking you: was I supposed to keep $150K in limbo for a decade based on a “maybe”? Am I being selfish for traveling, or is she unfairly demanding a future I was told would never exist?

Best,
Susanna

Dear reader, what do you think? Should a parent keep “inheritance” funds liquid just in case a child changes their mind, or is it time for this daughter to take responsibility for her own backup plan? Let us know in the comments.

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