Ok, this morning I got a message from DW that her sister asked for some money.
Her side of the family is pretty 'financially challenged' as it is so this isn't really uncommon. We have borrowed very small amounts before but it has been years now.
Anyway, she asks to borrow a whopping $8,000! To top it off, its to stop the bleeding from payday loans.
Reasons I want to help: we can afford it, 500k stache, high HHI
But that seems besides the point honestly...
Reasons I don't want to help:
1. She got a degree in social services and never used it, I have sent her job openings for YEARS
2. She refuses to move for work (basically see #1) and I am talking about 30min to 1hr by car, not cross state.
3. She wants to work with her drinking buddies basically.
4. She makes $12/h vs the 20+ she could make with her degree
5. She has photos from the bar LITERALLY 4 times a week and brags about how 'little she is home' to make herself appear to be independent or something!?
6. She's already claimed bankruptcy 2-4 years ago!
Am I being an ASS for not bailing her out? She asked to borrow the money but I doubt her ability to even repay that, it would have to be basically free and clear. Let alone the family stress of having to put that burden on the relationship. However, either way, I lose as the one who 'didn't help'.
I truly think borrowing her money would only prolong her clearly unsustainable lifestyle, keep in mind she is mid 30s. Not some college grad. I offered to help her with financial coaching and maybe minor assistance with cash.
Her response "Nah, that's OK"