So a few months ago we moved abroad. We were selling our car. BIL needed a new car, so we sold it to him on an interest free loan. Minimal payments each month, with bigger lump sums when he did some extra work for FIL,and bigger payments starting this year. So far he's been regular with payments, missed a couple, but made them up. When he did extra work, he was supposed to keep back the tax, he didn't. He had to borrow 2K off his Dad, who is hardly flush, to pay the tax bill. MIL is confident they'll never see it again. Now they want to spend 700quid on a puppy. I've suggested they get a rescue.
So DH politely emails his DB and suggests they are somewhat taking the piss using this money for non necessity when they owe us thousands. He didn't mention FIL loan as that's not our concern. It doesn't bother us if they go out on the town, have their normal holidays etc.. Everyone needs these, but to throw away that amount on something that isn't needed right now when he owes us, is a little ridiculous.
His DW has taken exception and now we are apparently the worst inlaws in the world.
We have no recourse. Despite me suggesting to DH that he get something in writing and not to sign the car over to him until he's paid it off. I suggested this after listenting from MIL for 2.5yrs about all the money BIL has borrowed from them, and not paid back fully. He is notoriously bad with money. But no MIL thought that was a sign we didn't trust him. [sigh]. So there is nothing in writing, the car is in his name. If they really get shitty, they can just stop paying, and we're screwed.
I really just want to scream ARGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, but I must get back to finishing the curry.
While it's not up to us what they spend money on, it's so frustrating for us. DH is going to phone him now and try to see why we're the bad guys for raising valid concerns with him.
I learnt my lesson about 7yrs ago, loaning my DB money which he hasn't repaid, I really should have gone with my experience on this shouldn't I?