My Sister-in-Law and Her Husband Haven't Worked in Nearly a Decade. Their Latest Life Update Is Going to Cost Us.

"My partner's sister is expecting her third child in December, it was quite a surprise, she found out at 20 weeks. I'm happy for her and excited about the baby, but concerned about the financial side. She and her husband haven't worked in nearly a decade. They're barely getting by on government support, and my partner has loaned her money over the years. She currently owes him over $1,000-though she pays small amounts back, she borrows more than she repays."

"I don't mind him helping with his own money, but we recently bought a home, live in a high-cost area, and are planning our wedding. With a new baby, I fear she'll ask to borrow more than we can manage, especially since we want children ourselves in the next few years. He's already given $200 for travel to appointments and baby expenses. We'd like to support them to an extent but need advice on how to set a budget and some boundaries about this."

Partner’s sister is unexpectedly expecting a third child after finding out at 20 weeks. She and her husband have not worked in nearly a decade and rely largely on government support. Partner has repeatedly loaned her money over the years; she currently owes him over $1,000, repaying small amounts then borrowing more. The couple recently bought a home, lives in a high-cost area, and is planning a wedding while hoping to have children soon. A new baby raises concern that requests for additional loans will continue and strain shared financial goals. Establishing clear boundaries and a specific monthly or annual assistance budget (for example, $50–$100 per month) can protect their financial future.

Read at Slate Magazine