Money Matters
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WWMMD-Family Request for Funds

I've got a conundrum/vent for you guys and gals...

As I've mentioned before, H and I both consider ourselves only children.  However, in H's case that's not strictly the truth.  He has a stepsister and also had a stepbrother who passed away.  He was close with his stepbrother, and although he and his stepsister are on officially fine terms, he can get a little frustrated with her (she's pretty negative).  She and I communicate some on FB, but I can tell H doesn't want me to get too close.  Part of the awkwardness stems from the fact that SSIL has a strained relationship with my FIL, who we are close with.  She tends to vent about this on FB, which is upsetting for H.  He stays out of it though and doesn't say anything.

Recently we found out that SSIL will be moving out of my ILs' and across the country to where she grew up, which is near where we live.  I am happy for her and think this will be a positive move for her.  However, she posted on FB that she needs financial help but will repay everyone once she's on her feet.  She then messaged me the same thing...not directly asking for money, but it was implied.  In the moment, I just said congrats on the move and asked other non-money related questions, but I feel super awkward now, as does H.

MM, am I a horrible person if we don't give her any money?  She is family, and I'm happy she's getting out on her own, but we've been working hard toward our own goals.  She's not a bad person at all, just a tough personality trying to execute a mid-life career switch.  I really do wish her well and would help with other stuff (moving, finding a place, etc.), or even buy her lunch to hang out.  As I think I've mentioned, though, I'm just getting fatigued with FB fundraising.  Of course this is all H's final decision, but he likes my help with political/family drama issues. She can probably guess we're on solid ground financially, and I think if we don't help she'll probably cut us out of her life.  Gah.  I also know that she's helped our ILs financially (we've never been asked to personally) which compounds my guilt about the whole thing.  If she hadn't done that for so long, she might have plenty of money for her move.  

Re: WWMMD-Family Request for Funds

  • You are not a horrible person if you decide not to give her any money.  You have to do what is right for you and your family.  Personally, I would probably go ahead and give her some money.  It doesn't sound like she is particularly irresponsible or a mooch in general, so I would be inclined to help her out, especially since it might impact family relationships.  I would not give more than I felt comfortable potentially not getting back, though.  Just in case.

    If you don't have money to spare without sacrificing important financial goals of your own, I would just let her know that you don't have any money to loan her right now, but that you would be happy to help with any of the things you listed.  When DH and I moved to a new place it was awesome to have a friend who helped us find an apartment.
  • I would try to help her a little, but the best is to have all parties discuss this as a group and get to a common agreement.  If she helped your ILs a lot, helping her could "pay her back" a little.
  • First a serious question, if you never get the $ back, will it bother you? Will it further ruin/strain the relationship between her and DH?
    If you can't afford to give the money as a gift, and never ever see it again, I wouldn't do it. In my opinion you should never loan money to family or friends. You may not think it will become awkward because you don't care if you never see the money again, but she may feel bad because she can't pay it back by the time you agreed upon, and pretty much cut off contact. So is it worth that to you.

    image
  • See post below titled: ILs owe us money, but get mad when we ask for it.
    That's the type of thing I think you need to consider before you loan her money. If you are able to just give it to her, and make her understand that it's a gift/housewarming present because you are excited she is moving closer- or something like that.
    image
  • Thanks all! Yes, anything given would definitely be with no expectation of payback. Thinking if it as a "housewarming gift" honestly makes me feel better about it. I'll see how H is feeling and go from there.
  • emily1004emily1004 member
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited April 2014
    No, you are not an awful person to not want to give her any money. You shouldn't lend her money unless it's a gift and you never expect to get it back.
    You could always gift her Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. While I don't agree with everything he says, for people like your SSIL, it works well and a lot of the principles apply. Just a thought.

    Edit: I can't type...
  • Personally, I don't think I'd even consider it, especially because it's a strained relationship. But I think it's strange to ask for money so you can move our in your own.
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  • I wouldn't do it either.  I don't like when money becomes an issue with friends and/or family.  Just my 2 cents.
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  • I wouldn't do it either, but I'm stingy-pants.

    I think PPs are correct that as long as you have no expectation of actually getting it back, that's fine.
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  • Personally, I don't think I'd even consider it, especially because it's a strained relationship. But I think it's strange to ask for money so you can move our in your own.

    I agree with this


  • Personally, I don't think I'd even consider it, especially because it's a strained relationship. But I think it's strange to ask for money so you can move our in your own.


    I agree with this

    That's sort of where I am at. I was raised very strictly to never ask anyone but my parents for money (not that I would now as an adult) and I know most people are raised to not even ask their parents! When I was in 5th grade my dad found out I borrowed $5 from a friend at the mall. He was livid and made me return the Beenie Baby I'd bought. It was upsetting, but a good lesson.

    The whole thing kind of caught me off guard. I'm gonna leave it up to H, let him know I support his decision, and see what happens. Anything we give would be a gift, not a loan.
  • I agree with others & don't loan her money. I love your idea of offering to help her find a place. Since it wouldn't be too far from you, you probably know what neighborhoods are better then others. You can always get her a gift card to target or a local grocery store as a house warming gift so she can get things she needs. Then you can comfortable give her whatever amount you feel comfortable with and there are no expections of repayment.
  • Honestly i would think you'd be doing a worse thing if you did give her money. What self restpecting person asks for money on facebook?! And anyone who is going to cut me out of their life for not giving them money is no one i want in my life to begin with.

    I'd just say sorry we don't lend money. period end of discussion. she doesn't NEED it, she's just whining and thinks she is entitled to money that isn't hers. that girl need to grow up and be an adult. No i would NOT be giving/lending her any money.

     

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  • I would not do it. She has been living with your in laws and still needs help to move out on her own and plus chooses to move a large distance? Um, no. She must have issues with financial responsibility. She asks people on fb for money??? Wow. Just wow. This is her problem not yours. Don't think twice about it.
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