Unequal gift

The dishonesty is surprising and disappointing. It makes me feel like maybe they know it’s unfair. I can’t help the way this is making me feel but some of your comments are helping me understand a little better so thank you. @nanarose from this personal experience I would advise not to leave uneven amounts. The thing I would say in terms of our different situations is that our lives are extremely different so it’s hard to compare but whereas my brother doesn’t own a property, I own one with a huge mortgage. So by appearances I’m better off but I owe a lot of money on a mortgage.

Nanarose
I had the same problem when doing our last will. Two will have money coming at them from wealthy grandparents ( not us ?)
Where as the other 3 only have us.
Then I thought: nobody knows what is in the future for all of them. So it’s equal between them.

I think your parents should have been honest and explained why they were giving you both different amounts. Personally I would have to treat my children exactly the same regardless of their current financial circumstances.

Is it because they have said it’s 50: 50 and you have found out that it isn’t?
Wondering whether you are substantially better off than your brother, in which case they may feel you dont need it as much, but I understand the disappointment you might feel.

This would be difficult at any time, but your parents have lied to you.
Of course, they are giving this gift freely, and it is not up to you or your brother to dictate terms. If it was just uneven amounts, I'd agree with Scentia, but I can see how the lie feeds into resentment.
I would say nothing for the moment, and keep your brother's offer open.

You could rehearse saying something like "Of course I am grateful, and it is your decision, but I would like to know why I get less / brother gets more", and think about what reaction that might get.
Bear in mind that the reason may be confidential, or it might be something they don't want you to be aware of.

I have written before about feeling that my grandchildren are in very different financial situations and wondering if I should leave different amounts in my will. At the moment they inherit evenly, but I am aware that for some it is the only substantial sum they are likely to get, whilst for one it is a drop in the ocean.

I think Scentia has summed it up really. He needs the money more than you and your parents know that. It isn't really unfair either as it is their money. Try not to let it upset you. They are gifting you money anyway even though presumably you don't need it in the same way? I'm sure they love you in the same way as your brother. I love all my children the same even though each of them would say I favoured another one, you can't win!

Gigi1975 I totally understand how you feel, but (there had to be a but. Sorry) the important relationship here is between you and your brother.

My DS and DD have had no where near the same amount of cash. My DD has had about five times more than DS but we don’t love them and differently, he just doesn’t need the cash input like she does. As a teenager though he had so much more of our attention as he had a difficult time and DD could have felt left out but she didn’t. Money is not the only way to show a child they are important. Don’t let this tarnish your last few years with your mum and dad.❤️