Received an email today from someone on a vacancy:

"Good morning my name is D****** H**** I'm 19 years old I don't have credit yet but I work at G&G painting and make about 500 a week I was laid off for a few months during winter but I worked under the table jobs and also received 300 a month in child support from my dad I still receive child support too I work monday-friday 6am-3pm I can always request a day off to come see the place I have 1500 saved up to spend on the down payment and everything else I'll need I will need help with the application process as I am new to Adulting on my own thank you

My response:

Hello D*******,

Thank you for your interest in the property.

Unfortunately, we aren't going to be able to sign a lease with you at this time. The reason for this is "under the table" income means you're not paying taxes on it. This is both illegal and morally wrong, and it causes other people who do pay taxes (like our employees and contractors) to have to pay your share.

I can't tell you what to do with your life; that's up to you to decide. But if I were in your shoes today, I'd start doing things the correct way by reporting all my income, paying whatever taxes are due, and being responsible for my obligations to society. That's what being an adult is truly about.

All the best!

Lack of maturity.

Kids raking leaves, mowing grass, shoveling snow, babysitting.

Neighbor who cleaned my downspouts at my house a few weeks ago didn't want any money but he received a dish I make that I know he loves (costs me about $20 in ingredients) and a $20 bill taped on the saran wrap that he couldn't see until he took the foil off.

Does most pay taxes when they barter/help friends out?

Sid totally wrong. Your not the mommy or daddy. Sorry to say you flexed your MORAL superiority to a stranger. WHY?

Yes I think Nicole has a point. This person is not only 19, but is literally receiving child support. So they are closer to a kid with a side hustle doing chores for neighbors , than a middle aged company owner dodging taxes.

There is a thai place near my work, and they have a sign on the cash register that says "10% off for cash". Considering that credit card fees are nowhere near that, its pretty obvious whats going on, and they are likely avoiding orders of magnitude more taxes than this kid.

This COULD be an opportunity to help a young adult continue on 'the correct path'.

When I've had occasion to discuss cash under the table, or on the table (waitressing,) I put in a plug for paying taxes on it, as it leaves a paper trail that can show employment history when applying for a job, proof of earnings when applying for a loan, and, its the right thing to do. I put less emphasis on that last bit. My houses are in areas where unemployment is high, many people have criminal records, so have a hard time becoming employed. Someone growing up in that environment would think I was a clueless idiot ( or worse,) if I insisted that all earnings always be reported. And, they certainly wouldn't listen to any message I have to offer. By gently sharing why it can be to their advantage to have those earnings reported, and putting in a very soft mention of 'doing our share/ right thing to do/ everybody helps' my message might get a tad more consideration.

Dad should file an emancipation the second the "painter" gets a place of his own.

GRRR just received an automatic COLA letter for the last of DH's three "kids" who is 20 and working full time. "Child" support goes to age 21 here (January 2024!) Just when you think it's over after two loooooonnnnnggggg decades of paying mommykins.

Busy and Tatters-- chance to do what at 19???? Your dreaming.

Maple-- GRRRRR why cause daddy has to be responsible for HIS kids?

myob, it GRRRRinds my gears because I raised two children to proper adulthood without and child support and working two jobs on my own, meanwhile hubby's ex marries a sugar daddy and has been collecting child support payments since 2004.

Again the last one is 20 years old and working full time. Child support should end at 18. NYS you are a considered a child for child support purposes up to age 21 yet said "child" can vote at age 18, 19 and 20. Not right.

I am reading your replies........what did I see when I read this?

"also received 300 a month in child support from my dad"

Sid, are you buying places down in WV?

“Unfortunately you don’t meet our minimum requirements for income. Good luck with your search.”

MYOB, not sure what I said that has gotten yer knickers in a twist, but, yes, older adults CAN have an influence on younger adults. I read from his 'tone' that this individual was wanting to learn. Just my interpretation.

The whole 'child support up to age 21'.... wow, I was married for two years by age 21. And had been in military for two years. Coming up on 40 years married, same man. He's still my sweetie.

I thought you generally ignored those that would not qualify.

I understand your point about taxes.

Sid-

I'm on board with 99% of your comments, and think you are one of the most valuable contributors to this board.

That being said, I found your reply "preachy" and seemed to equate "illegal" with "immoral"...which isn't always the case.

Maybe it's more immoral of you to feed an overreaching federal government so they can expand even further?

Anyways, us landlords, and/or those with means, have no qualms about taking full advantage of interest deductions for our minimansions, section 1031, section 179, PPP, etc. etc... isn't it a little self righteous to give a 19 yr old grief about working a side hustle to better himself?

Our tax system is very complicated. It favors those with the most means to manipulate it. It favors least those with middle class W-2 income.

Again, I generally LOVE your knowledge and agree with almost all of your posts. I just think this one is a bit judgy.

There is a huge difference in getting $300 in child support from the kids father and getting $300 in support from your father.

He would have no problem getting a place in my former hood IF he gets a roommate with similar income and/or parent co-signer.

THAT might be a more positive message ... offering hope.

That's the kind of thing I say to myself and keep to myself! Have learned the hard way "unasked for advice is seldom appreciated"!

Busy nothing in my knickers. Sorry if my wording upset you wasn't meant to. You know I just blurt out what I think and can't sugar coat it.

Paying child support until age 21 has greater justification these days than it would have 40 years ago. Back then, there were greater numbers of manufacturing and unskilled career route jobs available to those just out of high school, and more employment for life. Based on this email, the 19 year old is trying to become a responsible adult.

I hope that Maple's husband is more cheerful in his support of his children than Maple is. I hope that he supports them in multiple ways, including parenting and mentoring, and not simply financially, and does not allow their mother to be disparaged in any way in their presence or in any way which would get back to them. I hope that they have the pleasure of adult parent-child relationships in the years to come.

Hmmmm….

MY concern is discrimination police based on lifestyle not screening criteria.

Youth are allowed to earn $10k?? Before paying taxes.

Me? I give them points for doing what it takes to survive.

I bite my tongue and strive to be professional.

Also, no denials without a written signed application.

with the right unit this person has a chance.

Bit harsh in the reply.

Sharing your experience with getting started would have been a good service.

with the right unit this person has a chance.

Bit harsh in the reply.

Sharing your experience with getting started would have been a good service.

Huh? Hmmm.... brain is confused...

Sadly, so much is lacking in a child's education today. Mine as well when I think about it- I was never even taught how to balance a checkbook, let alone budget.

We too try and help young people start off on the right foot and get an understanding of what was missed during their upbringing because you don't know what you don't know.

If any of our Residents seems even the least bit interested, we gift them a copy of Total Money Makeover. That book is also our signature high school graduation gift.

One Mom thanked me for the book we gifted her son when he graduated from hs. He devoured the material and was able to buy a nice house for himself and his new wife all using the sound money principles he learned. He also taught his Mom who was able to retire early using those same sound principles.