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Accused of financial abuse and theft by my sister

382 replies

Mayamymay · 29/12/2023 09:57

Hi, I hope you’ve all enjoyed Christmas. I actually thought I’d posted last night, but it’s nowhere to be seen!!

A few years ago I fell into some financial difficulties and had a lot of debt at high interest rates. My poor credit rating meant that I wasn’t able to move the debt to a cheaper option.

My parents are retired, comfortable with no debt, but by no means rich. I adore them both. They were keen to help and allowed me to take a loan and a few 0% cards (all with relatively low limits) in their names to save on interest costs. I manage the accounts Online and make the payments directly from my account. They are very clear that they’re pleased to help, but that they see it as their debt in name only. There is no cost to them whatsoever. The payments are made on time. I’ll occasionally use the cards if necessary. We’ve had the awful conversation about inheritance etc and I’ve been clear that if my parents died then any outstanding debt but be cleared from my share of the inheritance. My siblings would not be impacted whatsoever.

my sister has found out about our arrangement as has kicked off, accusing me of being a thief and a financial abuser. Our relationship has been strained for a while now. Dh says that she’s just spiteful and needs go fuck off, but she’s hit a nerve and I can’t stop crying.

is my husband right, and should have just ignore her?

OP posts:
lizzowhiz · 16/03/2024 10:47

Agree, @Tontostitis

TorringtonDean · 16/03/2024 10:58

I think there is a big difference between parents wanting and planning to help their kids get started in life (for example contributing towards a house deposit) and them having to dip into savings that they need to help in a crisis - possibly several times.

Also there is the issue of treating siblings equally. I am hoping I can give my kids a sum each as a deposit - but it will have to be the same sum for both. It will be planned and money I can afford to give away, although I’d rather keep it myself to enjoy, but I love my kids and want to help. And I’m planning to say I will match what they have saved up to a certain limit - to incentivise some effort on their behalf.

My brother did get into a crisis when my mum was alive and she helped him but she also gave an equal amount to me - even though I wasn’t asking her to. I did think she should help my brother if possible and it wasn’t going to impact her own lifestyle.

Of course a lot of parents can’t do that and want to bail out the one who is in trouble but that’s when it grates with the “sensible” sibling. And it’s when the parents really cannot afford it but dig into whatever they have to help out that it becomes abusive.

Outnumbered99 · 16/03/2024 14:44

I don't know why you are getting such a hard time here OP, i would do exactly the same for my child in your parents situation, and it sounds like you have made massive progress paying down the amounts with a clear plan to continue to do so!

My parents haven't done exactly this but have leant both my siblings (similar amounts) or money in the past, its helped them buy property, through divorce, etc etc. The main difference is it has been "in the open" i guess, but hey ho the cats out of the bag now.

Unless you've been pissing it up the wall or on a world cruise I can't see what your sister is moaning about, i daresay they would have done the same for her. And you are making progress and sorting yourself out, what more can someone do!

Life is hard enough as it is, dont let idiots make it harder. Keep going and roll on 2026 and you can chill and be proud of yourself for what you have achieved, and grateful to those who helped you. Remember those that didn't if they ever need a favour!

SheepAndSword · 16/03/2024 15:54

@Mayamymay actually this is going back a few months, agree your arrangement with your parents is between you and them.

If you have a relatively good salary I don't think you should be using the cards for a shortfall, again this is only my opinion.

nuggetnibbler · 09/05/2024 19:39

wow, what a thread. Family and money does not mix!!

Pablosdog · 09/05/2024 23:07

It’s a bit much op

Janleeds · 10/05/2024 07:11

Pablosdog · 09/05/2024 23:07

It’s a bit much op

It’s not financial abuse though. Sounds as though they were happy to help and I’m sure that there all sorts of tangled financial family arrangements going on!

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