A crucial part of this assessment: Assume you’ll never get the money back. There’s no guarantee your loved ones will repay you, no matter how well-intentioned they may be.
Saying no can be challenging, especially when dealing with family or a close-knit community. Senses of guilt and obligation often cloud judgment. Your mother raised you, so the least you can do is pay her credit card debt, right? Not if it enables her to repeatedly overspend and turn to you for money.Article content
Take time to process each money request that comes your way. Consider passing if you’re concerned with getting taken advantage of or supporting harmful financial behavior.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Supporting the people you care about doesn’t always have to cost money. Your time, skills and knowledge are valuable too.
Visiting 211.org is one way to find assistance with basic necessities like paying utility bills or accessing food. For people who want help managing their money, Mielitz recommends setting up a free virtual appointment with an AFC through the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education.Taking care of your needs and goals is important. But everyone deserves a little fun, too.
Always. You earned it, it's yours.