#financial-boundaries

#financial-boundaries

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.

Let that person know that you appreciate being included and want to be able to go on the trip with them, but you do have limited resources. Ask what the expectation would be for expenses during the trip. This may feel awkward, but it's way better to learn now than to be away and unable to participate or contribute fully.

It's too bad that your brother and his wife didn't talk about these things beforehand and map out a plan for the future, especially something as important as where they want to live. Obviously, you cannot control what he does, but you might recommend to him that the two of them sit down and review their goals for the future based on available resources, needs and desires.

Consider approaching your parents with your feelings about hosting them, highlighting how it impacts you personally, rather than labeling them as cheap.