I just had a phone conversation with my sister, who flew back to her home yesterday. No, I'm not sad because I miss her. I'm sad because I worry about her.
She is utterly clueless about money. This morning she told me that their check for their new water heater bounced for the second time, because Google has taken money from their bank account. Of course it is not Google, and she now realizes that the "make money at home" plan she signed up for has nothing to do with Google and everything to do with getting scammed.
The bounced check is just a drop in the bucket compared to all their other financial woes. I have really tried to help her learn what to do, but she resisted (even bought a new couch on the sly while I was supposedly helping her track her spending). Then she bought a fourth dog (although they clearly can't handle the three they already have -- physically or financially). So about a month ago I wrote her a note that I was backing off and letting her handle her finances herself, that she would help herself when she was ready, yada yada yada.
They have been on the brink of losing their home twice and I am afraid that homeless is inevitable for them.
But I love her, and she has many good qualities, so I can't just write her off. So I'm sad this morning.
Thanks for letting me vent....
Sad this morning
December 2nd, 2009 at 01:49 pm
December 2nd, 2009 at 01:51 pm 1259761904
I have an older brother who is fiscally & emotionally irresponsible.
God bless you for being there to help her when she allows it.
December 2nd, 2009 at 01:56 pm 1259762162
Oh, hwo hard it is to see people who can be helped if "only they'd listen". It must be ten times worse when it is a blood relative. I worry about my best friend that I've had for 25+ years. She always complains but then offers excuses as to why she is financially where she is. You are a good sister to worry so.
December 2nd, 2009 at 03:13 pm 1259766801
At least you tried to help. We've been too scared to delve into it. AS loves her mom, but we can't be party to the sucking black hole of their finances, or we'd be lost ourselves.
December 2nd, 2009 at 03:32 pm 1259767935
December 2nd, 2009 at 03:56 pm 1259769368
My stepdaughter is like your sister... clueless about money, but also a spendthrift, and my dh just keeps bailing her out which only reinforces the behaviors.
December 2nd, 2009 at 04:27 pm 1259771273