This 28-year-old is risking her financial future to support her unemployed mom. Is it worth going deeper into debt?
This 28-year-old is risking her financial future to support her unemployed mom. Is it worth going deeper into debt?
In a recent Reddit post, Annie, a 28-year-old college student, shared her history of balancing financial obligations at home while working and covering the cost of her tuition. She lives with her mother, Erin, 48, and her two younger brothers, but her earnings are stretched thin to help keep their household afloat.
Recently, Annie got a new job with similar pay but a better bonus structure, though she regrets telling her mom, who has since frequently asked for financial support. The most recent request – a $500 bill to repair a wall damaged by the family’s dog – was one Annie couldn’t fulfill.
“I had to borrow from a financial institution and I have a credit card that is maxed out because she asked me for money to fix her car,” Annie wrote.
Annie gave her mom an early deadline for repayment, hoping it would help her balance her payments. Yet, when she reminded her mom of these dates, her younger brother Eliot argued she should be more lenient with their mom.
With rent prices high and tuition prices soaring, Annie feels caught between her commitment to her education and family’s financial needs.
But is Annie really doing herself any favors jeopardizing her financial stability to help her unemployed mom?
As Annie is trying to support her family, she’s putting her own financial future at risk. By maxing out credit cards and taking on loans, she’s putting her ability to manage her own obligations — including the cost of her education — at stake.
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost for in-state tuition is $9,750, while out-of-state tuition is an average of $27,457. If you factor in the average balance for student loan debt of $38,787, based on data from Experian, it’s clear that Annie’s situation is financially overwhelming.
Some Redditers, recognizing the long-term implications, encourage Annie to prioritize her future.
“You need to realize one thing: your college tuition and YOUR bills come first. DO NOT TAKE OUT A LOAN FOR YOUR MOTHER. Mom decided to have several kids and she has to support herself because she’s an adult,” ElmLane62 said.
Successfully managing your finances often means helping yourself before you can help others – and it’s not selfish. Taking on high-interest debt for a loved one can set you back years, especially when you’re on a student budget or starting out with an entry-level salary.
Story Continues
If Annie dreams of goals like homeownership or a secure retirement, her current decisions might delay or even jeopardize them. While her support for her family may feel necessary now, it could come at a steep cost.
Read more: 5 ways to boost your net worth now — easily up your money game without altering your day-to-day life
Annie is at a crossroads where setting firm financial boundaries could make all the difference in securing her future. While she wants to help her family, prioritizing her own financial responsibilities may have to come first to avoid ongoing debt and stress.
Angela Sitka, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shared some perspective in Time Magazine that could resonate with those in Annie’s situation: “It’s really speaking up for yourself in a way where you’re taking responsibility for your own feelings and actions, but you’re also clearly communicating what you want from the other person.”
It may be easier said than done, but a 2023 Federal Reserve report based on 2022 data highlights how the pressure to support others can also mean compromising personal stability. According to the report, 33% of young adults aged 22 to 24 still live with their parents to provide financial support, yet nearly 40% of all adults couldn’t cover a $400 emergency expense with cash savings.
Those who happen to fall under both categories may be in rough financial shape. But the good news is, by setting firm boundaries, Annie and others in her position can regain control over their financial health and build the stability they need to one day support their loved ones with ease.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
#28yearold #risking #financial #future #support #unemployed #mom #worth #deeper #debt