Yah: this is indeed a very difficult sitution that haunts almost every middle class kid. "No one will understand you more than your parents" - I disagree with this one... Unless your parents have seen how money is made and spent in US, they will not understand you. Pretty much guaranteed. How do you handle this. I think you should just tell them that it is not possible to commit a fixed amount periodically but also what and how you will be able to help. Educate them about your expenses in the US, eg. mortgage, insurance etc. etc. etc. Finally, to Sheetalb's comments.. You cannot make that comparison. The commitments get tougher once you have a job. When you are a student, you worry about your tuition, food/rent but when you work, there are million other things you have to worry about. First, you have to have enough in the bank just in case you get laid off.... I don't believe "Lay off" exists in Nepali dictionary so it is not easy for them to understand why you need such thick cushion if you lose your job.