My parent said that I cannot donate it to people in need because I have no salary, but I am not sure if joint-account ownership works like that (I doubt it does). It just feels like my parent is being controlling like they have been throughout my whole life.
Edit: For context, they said that I have to use the money for university stuff (not sure if that is legally enforceable).
You can use any money in a joint account as you see fit, and so can they. All the joint account means is that multiple people have the full ability to make deposits, withdrawals, and transactions on the account.
I would however advise against performing acts of charity that would put you in a dangerous financial position, as in this case where you have no source of income. If you would like to help other people in need, there are a litany of avenues you can take that do not involve taking on an untenable financial hardship, such as volunteering at soup kitchens, food banks, libraries, and low-income clinics.
I would also recommend that you go to another credit union or bank and open a no-fee bank account on your own, if you believe your parents are being financially controlling.
Ok, thank you so much for the advice (I was so worried that they could actually punish me for doing what I wanted with the money); also, I appreciate your concern, but I am willing to donate some of my money to a certain person in need because they seem to need it more than me.
Got it (though I would need to actually go there without being able to drive … huh).
They can stop making deposits and withdraw all the money.
But what if I withdraw it all or spend it first? Hehe (devious laugh).
Edit: Just to be clear, my parent is an awful person that is pressuring me into doing something I do not want and is generally ignorant of my mental state (I also do not really feel safe around them).