Should you speak negatively about parents if they provide financial support?

No, if you are receiving financial support from your parents, especially after age 22, you should not speak negatively about them. The advice is to 'kiss the ground they walk on' and avoid negative discourse.

How can I get my parents to stop influencing my decisions when they give me money?

If you want your parents to stop having a say in your decisions, the most direct approach is to 'stop taking the bag.' Whoever pays for something generally has influence, so financial independence is key to reducing external say.

I’m stunned by how many take $$$$$ from their parents and still bad mouth them

GaryVee

Education2 min read1 min video

Mar 10, 2026|10,250 views|391|13

Gary Vaynerchuk gary vee gary vaynerchuck garyvee vaynermedia vaynerx entrepreneur

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Be grateful for parental financial support; stop complaining if you accept their money.

Key Insights

Gratitude is essential when receiving financial support from parents, especially after the age of 22.

Complaining about parents while accepting their money is hypocritical and ungrateful.

Financial dependence grants the provider influence and a right to have a say.

If you don't want parental influence, stop taking their financial support (the 'bag').

Respect and appreciation for parents are paramount when they are contributing financially to your life.

THE AGE OF GRATITUDE

Gary Vaynerchuk asserts a clear boundary for receiving financial support from parents. If you are over the age of 22 and accepting funds from your parents, it is imperative to express profound gratitude. This means refraining from any negative commentary about them. In fact, he suggests showing immense appreciation, even to the point of 'kissing the ground they walk on,' emphasizing that such generosity warrants the highest respect and silencing any form of complaint.

SILENCE THE COMPLAINTS

The core message is a direct call to cease any negative talk about parents if you are benefiting from their financial assistance. Vaynerchuk strongly advises shutting your 'mouth' if you are receiving money, highlighting the hypocrisy of criticizing those who are enabling your lifestyle. This stance underscores a fundamental principle: accepting support comes with an obligation to maintain a positive and respectful attitude towards the benefactor.

THE POWER OF THE PURSE

A crucial point made is the direct correlation between financial contribution and influence. Vaynerchuk states plainly, 'Whoever pays for something has say.' This means that parents, by providing financial resources, inherently gain a degree of influence or a right to express their opinions. Understanding this dynamic is key to managing expectations and avoiding conflict when receiving financial aid.

ACCEPTING THE SUPPORT

The decision to accept financial 'bag' from parents comes with strings attached, whether explicit or implicit. This 'say' that parents have, as mentioned by Vaynerchuk, is a consequence of their investment. If an individual finds this level of parental involvement or influence undesirable, the only logical solution presented is to stop taking their money altogether. This establishes a clear path for maintaining independence.

RESPECT OVER REBELLION

The underlying theme is one of respect and appreciation for parental provision. Vaynerchuk's strong language suggests he is stunned by the entitlement some display, taking their parents' money while simultaneously disparaging them. He advocates for a paradigm shift where those receiving such support recognize the sacrifice and choose respect and gratitude over complaint and negativity, regardless of any perceived parental 'say'.

Common Questions

If you are taking money from your parents and are over the age of 22, it is advised to be mindful of their influence. The speaker suggests that financial dependence, regardless of age, grants the provider a say in your affairs.