Sometimes you have to help your family get through tough times.
But for some family members, every day is the worst day of their lives.
A lot of people will tell you to just keep a poker face andpractice saying no.
But lets be honest.
Its not that simple.
Changing their expectations isnt so easy, as these five letter writers know all too well.
Are you struggling to cope with financial stress?
First, take a deep breath.
Then, take a look at our roundup ofresources to help you manage your stress and your money.
Also, my father called a few months back needing money, and then again today.
Its put my wife and me with just about no more savings.
How do I provide for so many people and keep our savings?
-Stuck
Dear Stuck,
You could take a second job.
You could get a side hustle or five.
You could work 100 hours a week or more.
Read the full columnhere.
I helped her purchase a car so she could conduct her job search.
I didnt want to be liable if there was an accident.
That was a big mistake.
She eventually stopped bothering to make excuses and called me selfish and a nag…
The car dealership finance department said they couldnt even talk to me because the title isnt in my name.
The bank said if I stopped payments on the bills, the car would be repossessed.
Ive already paid more than $17,000 for the car.
Now my daughter and I no longer speak.
Meanwhile, she lives beyond her means.
She is a big disappointment to me…What can I do to extricate myself from this situation?
Or she can keep driving her car for free knowing Mom is legally on the hook for the loan.
Unfortunately, the choice is hers.
I wish I had a better answer for you.
He got his own account, but he was still using our joint account without any contribution.
He refuses to contribute to the household.
Hes also got $8,000 of credit card debt in his name.
He pressures me and says I have no faith in him.
Ive thought about divorce, but Im scared.
What can I do?
-T.
Dear T.,
This marriage sounds like trying to run a marathon in concrete shoes.
It doesnt matter how good you are at your job or as a wife.
Youre not getting anywhere because every step is a struggle.
So you should probably think about what scares you more: Getting divorced or living like this forever?
Because from what you describe, I think these are your only two choices.
Prior to the move, my niece had moved in with her.
The niece was living rent-free when Mom was here.
She is still staying here and still not paying.
She is unemployed but has been getting unemployment.
She has been there since last September.
My brother is the durable power of attorney.
He turned off the cable, but the internet is still on.
Plus there are expenses for gas, oil, electric, property taxes and maintenance….
Someone needs to tell the niece she needs to start paying for some of the expenses.
The conversation youre about to have shouldnt come as a shock.
Note that I say shouldnt rather than wont here.
I suspect shock is exactly the reaction youll get.
I was very against this living situation because its way too small for two adults and a rambunctious child.
I dont think they can continue living together.
She said she will refuse to leave the apartment if management doesnt let her take over the lease.
How should I proceed with my sister?
Am I being too supportive, or not supportive enough?
-Sister Struggles
Dear Sister,
When someone tells you theyre about to behave terribly, listen.
I dont care if your sister has been more responsible for three months.
She obviously doesnt plan to be responsible moving forward.
Shes also made it clear that shes up for a fight.
Pleasedont co-signfor her and let her take down your credit in the process.
Need help dealing with a mooch?
