What about making part of the car purchase and insurance the kids' responsibility, since they will be the ones to benefit from it? Do either of them have part time jobs?
I have to tell you that at 20, I was completely independent of my parents. I did not get kicked out or any such thing, I still have a loving relationship with my parents. But I wanted my independence, it felt GOOD to me. I fear that your kids might be missing out on the enormous confidence boost that comes with accomplishment. If your W is the only "competent" one in the family, then what is that teaching them?
Regarding the finances to buy the second car, I hear ya! Boy do I hear you...we live off one income here also. It is not a terribly expensive place to live but any time you have a family of four (almost 5) living off one paycheck, times are going to be tiiiiiight. I am now a master at frugality, lol.
