Money that goes to others.
WHY IT DESERVES ATTENTION
Family support is a substantial and frequently unplanned expense.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What you actually give, in total, each month.
WHY
It is usually more than people realise.
WHAT TO DO
Record it, as you would any other expense.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What you can sustainably give.
WHY SUSTAINABLY
Giving beyond your capacity produces debt and eventual inability to give anything.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
That your own financial stability enables continued support.
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
Regular support, as a budget item.
WHAT TO PREPARE FOR
Irregular requests: medical emergencies, school fees, ceremonies.
WHAT TO DO
Set aside for them, rather than absorbing them as they arise.
WHY
Unplanned obligations are what produce borrowing.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What you will and will not do.
WHY
Without a position, every request is decided under pressure.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ABOUT REQUESTS TO LEND
That lending within families is frequently giving.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether you can afford to give it.
WHY
Expecting repayment that does not come damages the relationship.
WHAT TO AVOID
Guaranteeing others' debts Borrowing to meet others' needs Giving what you need for essentials
WHAT TO DO ABOUT REQUESTS YOU CANNOT MEET
Say so, clearly and early.
WHY EARLY
Delay creates expectation.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That helping in other ways is legitimate.
WHAT TO PROTECT
Your own ability to meet your obligations.
