My mom's 'small loan' turned into a $5,000 problem

I gave my mom a loan for her car repair six months ago, saying she could pay me back slowly. She hasn't paid a cent and just asked for more money for a vacation. I feel stuck between helping family and feeling used. Has anyone set up a real payment plan with a parent that actually worked?

3 comments

3 Comments

derek_coleman3d ago

Watch this happen all the time where family money becomes a gift. You need to write up a real plan with dates or you'll never see it. It's the only way to keep things clear and stop the asks.

terry_walker3d ago

Honestly used to believe a handshake deal was good enough between family. Learned the hard way that feelings get messy when cash is involved. Putting dates on paper isn't about distrust, it's about protecting the relationship. That clarity stops the little extra asks before they even start. Changed my whole view on mixing money and relatives.

williamh481d ago

Whoa, I totally see your point but I have a different take. My uncle loaned me money for my first car with just a promise to pay him back, no dates or anything. That trust meant everything and I made sure to pay him early. For me, the paper feels cold. I get what @derek_coleman is saying about plans, but sometimes that formality can hurt the feeling of family help. It depends on the people, you know? A handshake can still work if everyone's on the same page.