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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Money and family (not a new concept)

37 replies

TigerMum8 · 02/11/2024 20:29

Just received a request for a decent chunk of money from Parent and Step Parent. Said no as felt the request was unfair and should be directed towards corresponding half and step siblings. Usual reason being that those siblings received a lot more than I did from them growing up - independent schooling, cars etc whereas I did not since step parent generated the cash. Trying to explain that it’s not about resentment but fairness. I simply feel that any money should flow back from the same source it flowed to? For clarification siblings not really in a position to help but I don’t feel it’s fair that I’m effectively penalised for taking better advantage of less opportunity. AIBU?

OP posts:
TigerMum8 · 02/11/2024 20:46

I think it’s just a question of needing the money and I’m a potential source. You know how it is, when people really feel that they need money they just go to whatever source is available .

OP posts:
dammit88 · 02/11/2024 20:44

Did circumstances change where they were able to afford private schooling etc if you are older? As that may have not been a deliberate choice if you see what I mean. Were there lots of examples of you being treated less well? If so you aren't being unreasonable at all.

MummytoA · 02/11/2024 20:44

TigerMum8 · 02/11/2024 20:39

Fair point, sounds like a bit of a business / financial reversal and a bit of cash needed to ride them over. Problem is will probably never get it back, plus principle of it.

Edited

Bit confused as to who you are in the scenario... a parent, grandparent?
Who is asking for money?

TigerMum8 · 02/11/2024 20:44

Very fair points. I’ve tried to direct the discussion away from that. However the allocation of resources indicates how siblings are viewed within a family. Can’t help feeling miffed that I’ve been ‘promoted’ now that I’m perceived to have a bit of cash handy.

OP posts:
Changingplace · 02/11/2024 20:43

Why are they even asking you for a substantial sum of money? What’s it for? A loan or are they expecting you’d just hand it over?

All sounds quite odd really, why do they think you should either loan or give you money?

Mrsttcno1 · 02/11/2024 20:42

You don’t have to give them any money, neither do your step/half siblings if they can’t, but I wouldn’t even bring the x got a car y got £1000 etc into it, it’s irrelevant really and does make it about resentment- which is understandable but you can’t hide behind it being anything else. A parent buying their child a car 10 years ago doesn’t mean that same child has the value of the car to give to them at any given time.

TigerMum8 · 02/11/2024 20:42

Sorry, posted too early above, I believe because of a financial reversal
and need it to tide them over

OP posts:
2024onwardsandup · 02/11/2024 20:40

Why are they asking for money?

AnneLovesGilbert · 02/11/2024 20:40

They shouldn’t be asking any of their children for Mindy. Direct them to the bank, a credit union or eBay to borrow or make some cash. What’s it for?

TigerMum8 · 02/11/2024 20:39

Fair point, sounds like a bit of a business / financial reversal and a bit of cash needed to ride them over. Problem is will probably never get it back, plus principle of it.

OP posts:
LaineyCee · 02/11/2024 20:35

Why should any of you be giving them money? They’re adults. Assuming they’re in the UK, they’re in a country with a social safety net. Why aren’t they living a lifestyle that fits within their means?

loropianalover · 02/11/2024 20:32

Well the cash can’t flow back from the step sibs since they don’t have it. That still doesn’t mean you’re obliged to cough it up.