To cut a long story short, my brother has always loved to spend and to be fair he's had the income to do it. He lives in a very exclusive part of Surrey in the catchment of an excellent state school (this is a relevant detail).
He hit hard times during the recession and was made redundant from a very senior position, had a generous package and was out of work for around 1 year. He continued to spend as he had before, membership of a specialist club, very expensive holidays etc. I have recently found out he borrowed money from both my parents (they are divorced) over this period.
He is married with one child and has since got another job although not quite as senior as before and like us all, he's taken a hit to his income.
His child attended a very good state primary, but due to 'differences' between his wife and the head teacher they decided to move her to a prep school. The problem is, they can't really afford it.
This is where it gets problematic. I don't have an issue with where he educates his child, but I have recently found out my mother is funding a significant portion (if not all) of the fees. She is NOT well off, but will go over and above the call of duty because it's her Granddaughter. I know my brother has also gone to my father looking for money for the same purpose, but was refused (incidentally my father is much better off financially than my mother).
Now, I'm angry about this because it puts my mother in a shaky financial position. She has some savings and a small monthly income from my father but that's all apart from a tiny state pension. I am worried she will also put herself under undue pressure from giving my brother money (which she won't get back) and also I know for a fact I will be the one responsible for her should she become ill and have to be cared for.
Now, we have one child currently in private education and another due to start in a few years. We have factored in these costs and don't require any financial input from other sources to fund it. However, being the fair person she is, my mother has insisted she fund the first year. WIBU to take the money but put it in a savings account just to keep it safe? Then when she needs it I can give it back? I can't stop my Mum from giving my brother money, but maybe I can 'rescue' some of it?
I don't know. It seems terribly underhand, but I don't quite know what else to do. I'm very worried for her.
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AIBU?
To take this money to protect my Mum (long, sorry)
14 replies
Tailtwister · 08/12/2013 16:43
OP posts:
lisad123everybodydancenow ·
08/12/2013 17:11
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