JaneInVegas Posted September 28, 2012 Posted September 28, 2012 I feel so TRAPPED and I'm so frustrated. A few months ago my husband and I had one financial disaster after another. Our money was wiped out and we couldn't pay rent, or even buy food. His sister offered to let us stay rent-free at her house until we could get back on our feet again. So we put most of our things into a storage unit, and we have our own room here in her house. The physical conditions are less than desirable, but I am not ungrateful by any means! I'm very thankful we have a roof over our heads. But here's the thing. His sister works part time. Her live-in boyfriend is unemployed and not looking in the least. Her landlord is her best friend, and I know they have negotiations concerning the rent. She once told me her landlord let her slide for 6 months on the rent, and it took her a couple of years to get caught up. It has become obvious they have become dependent on us for money. I have a full time job, by husband is working only 15 hours a week, desperately looking for a full time job of his own. Our combined paychecks could only get us a roach infested apartment in the slums. It is enough, however, to make sure their 7 dogs get fed, and all the munchies, smokes, and sodas they want. A few minutes ago I heard her yell at my husband (her brother) "HEY!! Go down to the store and buy some toilet paper!" We're wanting out of this house. We spend every last penny on bills and accommodating his sister. Unless he gets a great paying full time job really soon, we're stuck here for a long, long time. He wants to help his sister, but we're killing ourselves financially in the meantime. I don't think he knows how to tell her "No". He loves her, and I certainly don't hold that against him. But ohmygawd we need to have a home of our own!
EmeraldStar Posted September 28, 2012 Posted September 28, 2012 I think the best thing to do is make a budget and allocate based on priority trying to save as much as you can to use to get out. Even if you only do it with your income, it should help. I used to over estimate expenses and under estimate income. If my H brought home $649, it was $600 in my file. And we all have stuff we only need but don't have to buy every month (like a bottle of shampoo lasts 2 months), I included those in each month. And yes, I did price & budget almost every item we used regularly. Plus try the dollar stores stuff to cut costs too. Have your H warn SIL "We don't mind helping out but we can't keep blowing our money on junk."
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