I’ve Been Building My Niece’s College Fund for Years—What She Said in Her Prom Speech Made Me Regret Every Penny
Amber quietly saved money for her niece Phoebe’s college fund over many years, believing in her future potential. Phoebe’s mother, Amber’s sister Audrey, had a difficult personality and had struggled with responsibility.
At Phoebe’s prom, Amber attended with pride, believing the celebration was supported by Phoebe’s absentee father stepping up. Phoebe’s heartfelt speech publicly thanked Amber for making the night possible, revealing the truth that Amber’s savings had been spent on the prom instead of college.
Amber soon discovered $7,000 missing from the fund, and after confronting Audrey, learned she had used the money without permission to pay for Phoebe’s prom and related expenses. Audrey justified it by saying Phoebe deserved to feel special and promised to replenish the fund—though she had never contributed before.
The family tension grew, and Amber set firm boundaries: the college fund would be protected from Audrey’s access going forward. When Phoebe later visited, unaware of the full situation, she expressed her wish to work over the summer to help rebuild the fund.
Amber chose to support Phoebe’s future directly while acknowledging she couldn’t fix her sister’s behavior. The story highlights the complexity of family loyalty, trust, and the importance of protecting what truly matters.
