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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Homeless but buying brand new cars

163 replies

uptheapplesandpearss · 09/09/2019 03:30

This is a long one, please stay with me lol.

SIL and BIL are extremely bad with managing their finances. They live in rented accommodation, with 2 DC. I've been with DP 4 years, and in that time, have witnessed DP be pressured into lending SIL large amounts of money by their mother.

Their rent is around £700 a month, SIL is a SAHM and BIL doesn't have stable work, so no stable income. They go on luxury holidays, buy very expensive dogs and cars, all while borrowing money from DP to pay their rent, feed their children etc.

Myself and DP are youngish, and both lived at home when I fell pregnant, which meant we wanted/needed to move out of our family homes and move in together, in our own house. While we were hastily saving for a deposit before DD arrived (with absolutely no savings prior) MIL was pressuring DP to give money he had saved for this to SIL. He refused since he knew how she was choosing to spend her money and why she was short for rent etc. and explained we actually needed this money for a home for ourselves and DD when she arrived. MIL then turned around, furious, saying he was leaving his SIL and her DC homeless and without food! He was leaving them in that state?! She didn't care about how we needed that money for ourselves and our child! DP annoyingly but understandably ended up giving them the money.

DP has also ended up paying for their shopping, rent on many more occasions and sometimes, I don't even know what they are asking for the money for. We are not well off ourselves, we now live in our own home, but I myself am a SAHM so DPs wage is the only income we have and it's not a lot, he is an apprentice.

Their money situation has became so bad recently, they decided to move out of rented accommodation and back in with BILs parents (who they are aware treat their DC appallingly). So their money situation is that poor they are choosing to live with people who borderline abuse their children, but are still going on holidays, buying new cars etc.

As I said earlier, I am a SAHM and DP an apprentice, we have a home to run and a child to provide for, we're left with little money at the end of the month. Now whilst since we have moved out, they have not asked for any money (knowing we could not afford to lend it) they have started doing what feels like using us, in other ways.

They come round to see DD, but as soon as they sit down will say "ok, what are you feeding us". Myself and DP meal plan as a means to save money, which means we buy enough for one set meal for breakfast, dinner and tea everyday. We never plan for them to come for breakfast/dinner/tea, so when they do this, we are subsequently left a meal short for that week.

I don't feel as though I can say this to them though, as before or straight after they have asked for food, they will say because of their poor money situation, they have nothing in the fridge at home etc etc.

SILs excuse for her poor management of money is that she has a very poorly controlled illness which means she may not live as long as someone who doesn't have it (but it doesn't mean she will die tomorrow) so she wants to make memories with her DP and DC. AIBU to think this is an awful excuse to almost lose your home and leave yourself and children without food?

AIBU to feel we are being used and that we shouldn't be made to help someone who puts themselves in such situations because they aren't careful with their finances? AIBU to be livid with MIL for pressuring DP to lend money we desperately save up and need ourselves whilst she has a rich husband who could lend SIL money no problem, but she won't ask?

OP posts:
Ringdonna · 09/09/2019 03:56

This has to be the height of CF!

Nancydrawn · 09/09/2019 04:03

No, you are not being unreasonable. This is the time to draw clear boundaries. Channel Nancy Reagan: Just Say No.

uptheapplesandpearss · 09/09/2019 04:03

@Ringdonna right?! I'm sitting here unable to sleep because I'm literally seething lol. They've just bought a bloody £2000 french bulldog

OP posts:
Medievalist · 09/09/2019 04:10

Well of course you're not being unreasonable to be annoyed.

They sound absolutely vile. Not least to get a dog that they obviously won't be able to afford to look after properly. If they can't afford food for themselves how can they feed a dog and pay vet bills?

But the dog (sadly) is your defence. Every time they plead poverty you can use it against them.

You both need to put on a united front and stop being financially abused and manipulated by these awful people.

Whocutdownthecherrytree · 09/09/2019 05:32

This is such entitled behaviour. So rude and offensive. Next time they say “what are you feeding us? We are so poor we have no food”, just say “yes it’s a been a tight few months for us and we don’t have much for ourselves either. Sorry but all I can offer is a cup of tea.”

DurhamDurham · 09/09/2019 05:39

How are they managing to get the cash together for £2000 dogs and expensive holidays? It doesn't make sense at all, you just need to stop all financial help now. They're living with your in-laws now so let them sort it out.

Whattodo20192 · 09/09/2019 05:49

When they come around and ask "what are you feeding us" bring out a cup of tea and a pack of the cheapest biscuits (20p) you can find. Or have some of the supermarket brand noodles (15p max) in the cupboard and make them.

BoomBoomsCousin · 09/09/2019 06:01

DP annoyingly but understandably ended up giving them the money.

While you were pregnant and searching for housing? This isn't understandable at all. Though you have a CF for a SiL what you really have (in classic MN speak) is a husband problem.

You and he both need to start saying "No." Next time they sit down and ask what you're feeding them either say you're not eating now, or sorry but you've only got enough for the three of you or just outright sorry, but money is too tight and you don't have any food spare this week.

I also think, given the way your DP has behaved, you ought to think seriously about dropping the SAHM gig and getting a job ASAP - you can't rely on him and if money is tight you need to think about ensuring your DC's financial stability.

YANBU about any of the stuff you think about your DP's family, you just need to apply a bit of it to him too. You have a child to think of.

CheeseCakeSunflowers · 09/09/2019 06:08

You say that your dp has lent them money, has it ever been repaid. If not I'd be asking them for it.

Teacher22 · 09/09/2019 06:08

The MIL seems to the enabling villain of the piece. You and your DP need to work out a strategy together to resist her and the other freeloading ILs. It is going to be hard for the DP to say no to people he has so often caved in to. He is going to need back up to be able to keep saying no and to mean it.

Look at Boris’s situation at the moment. He is being pressured by the EU and the Remainers by every mean fair and unfair to cave in and they will keep at it while there is any chance they can succeed. They will upmth epresusre Andrew get very nasty to win. Your MIl and the others will do the same. They will threaten and abuse.

Stand firm. You are most definitely in the right. Lend no more money. Give no more food (unless a cup of tea and a cheap biscuit).

Bullies keep going until they meet determined resistance. Then they often cave in and cry. If the ILs cry, hand them a tissue and stay even firmer.

Teacher22 · 09/09/2019 06:10

They will upmth epresusre Andrew get

Sorry. Predictive text.

Up the pressure to get....

MaybeitsMaybelline · 09/09/2019 06:16

Really? When they can’t feed their children where did they get 2k for a dog from? How do they pay for these holidays?

Just say no, if you don’t have it you can’t give it. Value beans on toast max. Every time. Plead your own poverty when they ask.

WilburIsSomePig · 09/09/2019 06:17

DP annoyingly but understandably ended up giving them the money.

No, no, no! Not understandable at all! Why does his mum even know about his savings unless he told her? Your financial situation is nothing to do with them. Stop giving them too much information and stop giving them money! In fact, I would stop having anything to do with these people (including his mum). They're taking the piss so don't let them.

Beautiful3 · 09/09/2019 06:21

I would just say sorry theres only enough dinner for us, but I can make you toast. Keep a cheap loaf in the freezer.

Tonnerre · 09/09/2019 06:22

Dragging Brexit into this discussion is the height of absurdity.

TheBrockmans · 09/09/2019 06:26

It sounds as if dh is standing up to them, which should be encouraged. If you want to keep feeding them then I would have one meal which you bring out each time but can be easily stored and assembled. Bean casserole springs to mind - couple of tins of different beans and tomato passata with a few herbs. If feeling generous throw in a carb. If they question it then start explaining how this is your standby meal for guests as you don't have extra due to meal planning, budgeting, environment etc. They will either learn something about budgeting or get sick of bean casserole.

Phlewf · 09/09/2019 06:34

I know a similar couple. My friends ds came to her beginning for money to get the family out of a whole, friend handed over thousands and there was talk and of working out a budget, the next weekend they brought round the similarly expensive puppy and asked if my friend could look after it when they went on holiday. I don’t know where they get the brass neck. My friends situation is difficult because they occasionally withdraw access to her grandchildren so she feels unable to tell them to bugger off. Makes my blood boil and I find it difficult to talk to them.

I’d say start with a narrative of not have spare money yourselves. Not asking for money obviously but make it clear you’ve not got it to lend. Start every sentence with “I wish we could afford ... “

You’ll not get the money back but hopefully they’ll stop expecting more!

OhWhatFuckeryIsThisNow · 09/09/2019 06:35

Why is anyone suggesting alternatives to give them? What are you feeding us? Nothing. Bye.

ivykaty44 · 09/09/2019 06:39

How do they pay for the expensive holidays & dogs?

Brefugee · 09/09/2019 06:49

I missed the bit where they were homeless in all that.

nettie434 · 09/09/2019 06:49

SILs excuse for her poor management of money is that she has a very poorly controlled illness which means she may not live as long as someone who doesn't have it (but it doesn't mean she will die tomorrow) so she wants to make memories with her DP and DC.

So what memories will these be? Memories of having to give up their house to move in with parents in law?

Meal planning is great for when you are alone but if you have one or two tins of value baked beans, the idea of switching to beans on toast whenever they come round is a good idea.

Buying a French bulldog is awful - if they really wanted a dog, they could have found a rescue dog. It’s not just the food but also the vets bills.

I think it’s important to take the personal out of this - when MIL says your DP is leaving his brother and his family homeless, say clearly that your circumstances are such that you cannot help anybody. They are using expectations about family loyalty as a way to manipulate your DP so you need to help him be firm about saying no. It must be really hard for him to say no as you describe him as having grown up in an environment of borderline abuse. It sounds as if you are taking the right approach to help him escape this pattern.

sam221 · 09/09/2019 07:00

Buy the cheapest value bread and freeze away, buy the cheapest baked beans-if they ever ask for food. Roll these out and say this is your dinner nearly every night. And then go for the 'ask', as innocently as you can, ask if they could pay the money they owe!
Do this each and everything time, they will soon stop visiting!!!
Stand strong and never give them any money, also if your MIL asks you guys to lend-ask her money for yourselves and plead extra sudden hardship.
Play them at their game!!!

Cherrysoup · 09/09/2019 07:03

Tell them to stop coming round at mealtimes. Isn’t your mil feeding them?

BeanBag7 · 09/09/2019 07:18

You are being a pair of mugs. Why are you so scared to say "no" to them?

"What are you feeding us?"
"Nothing"
Or
"We already ate"
Or
"We only have food for the two of us, you will have to go home before dinner"
Or
"Haha, yeah right"

Or preempt the question and when they arrive immediately say "ooh great to see you, what have you brought for us to eat?"

Shoxfordian · 09/09/2019 07:21

Your dp needs to start saying no to them and no to any emotional manipulation from his mother as well.

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