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Old 01-04-2007, 02:09 PM
Rearden Rearden is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 489
Default Re: Disassociating from family [censored] (longish and a bit whiny)

"Anyhoo, over the course of time I move my younger sister 3 times paying deposits on each new place. Bail her out of jail and pay fine. Bail niece out of jail for DUI. Loan money for various necessities etc. etc. etc"

This makes you sound like a meal ticket man...

Its natural to help those you care about and with all due respect you seem to have gone a lot further and done a lot more than some... but you may not be helping.

You said something fairly telling in "no one else can help them". They can help themselves; you've already done tons more than they seem to have with respect to fixing their lives. Offer constructive solutions, advice, and maybe maybe financial support in an emergency (with the expressed motive of being paid back such that they cant think they can loan off of you indefinitely). Try to cut them off some and force them to be more responsible by only aiding them in loan form and aiding them less in general. Youre not at fault for their mistakes and have already acted like a saint trying to help them out. Dont let them drag you down.

Focus on your business and your own family (if youre married and or with children). Make damn sure you never face any of this. And try to eliminate them as strict financial dependents (which they seem to be). Offer advice, occasional aid, methods of getting help, etc.... not out and out cash. And remember that reality catches up with everyone; they are paying for their choices in some respect and youre welcome to help them but only if you have means to be stable yourself.

Good luck man, you sound like a great guy and I have tons of respect for what youre trying to do... but dont let them abuse you by being the meal ticket for the rest of your life.
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