[jedberg]

Back in the 90s, I had a friend who was an instructor for Sun Certification classes. He told us of a kid who, when he turned 18, was given his college savings by his parents to do with as he pleased. He chose to spend the ~200K getting every Sun cert available.

He then became a consultant at 21 making about $500K a year, at least for a few years. Don't know what happened to him after those certs became useless, but I hope he converted somehow.

[nostrademons]

I also know a family whose father gave them their inheritance when they turned 22. Instead of getting jobs after college, all but the eldest (who already had a job) spent several years bumming around their apartments, paid for by their dad, and failed to launch. Their careers still haven't recovered.

YMMV. I do think it's better to give money to people who are already succeeding and could just use a bit of acceleration or a chance to do something riskier, though. At earlier stages advice and introductions are often more useful in the long term.