My parents are pretty cool, they see gear purchases as an "investment in my future"... You see, I'm planning on becoming a high-school music teacher! I can buy all the gear I want! They're too proud of me, and it's kinda spoiling (Mum: "Oh, you've finished 8th grade piano in 2 and a half years blah blah blah, have whatever you want)
Oh, and good luck to you BM, and Feline, you are a genius :)