I think it's the way people are brought up. I would deffinately put the money in the bank until you and your husband can agree on something. He is the head of your family and I don't feel you should make a dissision that he didn't agree with. I would do something nice for my parents because I do appreciate everything they have done for me. If they did need the money, I would talk to my husband and see what we could agree upon.

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Mom of 5, ages 20 to 5.

It's weird I know but I was just brought up this way. My dad is the eldest son so he helped provide for his elderly parents and unmarried sisters. It was more of an obligation as opposed to customary. Now I wouldn't expect my brother to provide for me--we're already 'Americanized'. I know that here in the States, if you work hard and become successful, you're not really required to help out family members. Like one poster said, it wouldn't occur to her to give anything back to family, especially if they weren't in any need. And actually, if my brother made a big real estate profit, I wouldn't expect anything from him. And we grew up together!
I guess my question is answered: it's not a cultural-thing or even an upbringing-thing, just an individual-thing.
Thanks for all the input--
P.S. I'll just hang on to the money but they will get some nice presents this year!

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A day without laughter is a day wasted.

I think it all depends on how you were raised. I know that being the oldest in an Asian household like mine I have more responsibility to make sure that the family is cared for. So if DH and I came into a landfall, I would give first to the church, second to my kids college funds, and then third to any family members in need.

But DH feels the same way and he wasn't technically raised that way. I.E. He and I both know that if we were in a serious bind we could count on my parents and sister chipping in to help us out whether it be a financial situation or otherwise.

But with his own parents and sister...well that's another story...AND they have way more money than my family does.

Sandra