when dad becomes the family bank
Last week, my younger sister called me at 10 p.m. — never a good sign.
She needed $500 to “cover a short-term emergency.”
Translation: her rent was due, and her paycheck was still “processing.”
Here’s the thing about being the “responsible one” in the family: everyone assumes you’ve got a vault of cash hidden somewhere. The truth? I’ve got a mortgage, two kids (one in college, one eating me out of house and home), and parents who think Medicare covers everything.
Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that if you say “yes” to every money request, you’ll be broke faster than you can say “family first.”
So I made a rule: I don’t give money. I loan money, with a written plan — even to family.
Not because I don’t trust them, but because I respect both of us enough to keep things clear.
And here’s the surprise — this “family bank” approach works. It makes people think twice before asking, and when they do, they treat it seriously. Sometimes they even pay me back.
If you’re tired of being the unpaid ATM, set boundaries. Protect your savings, your retirement, your kids’ future.
Because saying “no” to bad money habits is saying “yes” to long-term security.
#Finance #MakeMoney #FamilyMoney
