My Family Is Using Money to Control Me (2024)

FAQs

How to stop family members from taking advantage of you? ›

You can establish boundaries and teach the people around you how you want to be treated. You can learn to say 'no,' to do the things that make you happy and turn down the things that do not,” says Yiu.

Tell them “no.” It's your money, and you have the final say over how it is spent. Even if your relative is in a bad situation, you have the right to say no, even if they pressure you. You don't have to give a reason, just say, “no.” You can still care and support your relative without giving them money.

To repair your emotions, allow yourself time to feel hurt, surround yourself with positive people, and remember that it wasn't your fault that you got used. Although it may take some time, you can recover from the pain that you are feeling.

For instance, they may move in with you unexpectedly or want to borrow your car at a moment's notice. The person expects you to take care of their needs. For instance, if you go out for dinner with them, they may not offer to pay and simply expect you to pick up the tab.

An exploiter is a user, someone who takes advantage of other people or things for their own gain. Being an exploiter is selfish and unethical. To exploit someone is to use them in a way that's wrong, like an employer who pays low wages but demands long hours.

It's important to recognize this sign and set boundaries where necessary. It's not unkind to say no when you feel taken advantage of. It's self-care. And self-care is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and your own well-being.

It typically occurs when one person (“enabler”) actively or passively supports or, even, facilitates the destructive actions of another person (“enabled” or “toxic” individual).

When to stop helping someone financially? ›

If assisting someone else is overtaxing your time, energy, or resources—stop! Even if you agreed to do something, if the cost becomes too great, whether that's financial or emotional, you can back out or adjust how much you can help. If you are harming yourself, that is not helping.

The fastest way to become financially independent is to establish a budget that aims to maximize your income and minimize your expenses. Paying down debt, building savings, and reducing your expenses can help you become financially independent faster.

Take some time to reflect on your values and needs, and then set boundaries accordingly. For example, if your toxic family member is always criticizing you, you can set a boundary that you will not tolerate any negative comments about yourself. Other ways to create space: Limiting or skipping family gatherings.

They may ask you to do things that they are too lazy to do themselves. They may 'borrow' money that they never return but come back to you for more knowing that you will give it to them. They may ignore you until they want something and you are so grateful to be noticed that you give them what they want.

It's important to recognize this sign and set boundaries where necessary. It's not unkind to say no when you feel taken advantage of. It's self-care. And self-care is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and your own well-being.