I'll try to keep this brief but it may be long!
My sister is married and has two children. At present, neither her nor her husband work. They get benefits. My sister has not worked really since she left school. She has started jobs but always quits them. She has started two recently- neither lasted more than a week.
Unfortunately, over the years, she has relied on our parents, me and other family members to "lend" money which is then never returned. There are always various excuses as to why it can't be returned. In recent months, our parents have supported her to the tune of around 2k 😳 they are ok financially but not wealthy enough to sustain that! I had started saying no to providing more money as it was becoming constant and expensive!
I helped out recently by sending a supermarket shop. Earlier this weekend, we had a family gathering and my sister asked for help for a taxi fare - I agreed to help as it would be quite an expensive fare, I didn't want her to miss out and I could afford to help. I gave her £65. Taxi cost £45 so she would have had the remaining money left. I know our parents also gave £20.
Except I have now had messages asking for more money for gas/electricity. I have said no and suggested she ring and ask for temporary credit.
I feel awful 😥 I obviously love my sister but I cannot keep funding someone else. I am comfortably off but not rich and have my own bills to pay. Unfortunately, once you say yes to one request, more and more is asked for until you say no.
I honestly don't know what to do to help her🙄 the obvious solution is for them to get jobs but neither seems able to stick at anything.
Not even sure why I am posting-just feeling frustrated and low this evening 😕 that said, if anyone has any suggestions for helping her that would be welcome.