Family members in Guatemala ask me for money

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Give what you can, if you can. I also have a big family in a poorer country, and yes, it's a neverending sea of requests, but they definitely need money more than I do.

I also have family in a poorer country. A lot of people there think if you live in America, you're rich, and can therefore give them unlimited money. Although the country is poor, my relatives are not struggling by any means, and I know that money would go towards luxuries/electronics, not necessities. Therefore I do not give it. (I am NOT rich and have multiple young kids currently in daycare.) If someone needed money towards clothing, food, or shelter, I would not hesitate, but that is not the situation for me.

[Anonymous]

once you start giving even on eo them money, then other will start asking and they will mention that you gave jaunita money, so why not give money to jose...

yes sit sucks that they live in a 3rd world country. no you don't have as many expenses but you need to plan for your own furture, so you don't end up living like you are in a 3rd world country here in the states. and having to work you entire life. not like you are going to be a millionaire as a teacher with tons of disposable income....

if you really want to give something....then send money at christmas. IE make it a gift at the holiday, and not something that they expect when they ask you every time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It does seem to depend on the situation. What would the money be for? School? Basic living costs? Why does your mom not give them money — does she not have the money to share, or does she not think highly of the cousin or their need??”

If there is a real plan or they are desperately poor (and a little would go a very long way), that’s one thing. If it is a more opportunistic ask on the assumption that you are rich, forget it.

This

I have been to Guatamala twice on mission trips ( not to get on that topic) and the poverty was life changing. If its for actual needs I would try and send it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It does seem to depend on the situation. What would the money be for? School? Basic living costs? Why does your mom not give them money — does she not have the money to share, or does she not think highly of the cousin or their need??”

If there is a real plan or they are desperately poor (and a little would go a very long way), that’s one thing. If it is a more opportunistic ask on the assumption that you are rich, forget it.

This

I have been to Guatamala twice on mission trips ( not to get on that topic) and the poverty was life changing. If its for actual needs I would try and send it.

+1 A little money can go a long way. The 200$ we spend on a cable and phone bill can pay school fees for a kid for a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I actually think this is different than mooch relatives who live in Baltimore. These are people in 3rd world countries.

I would only give money to your mom and not cousins.

This

[Anonymous]

dont. as PP said you will become an ATM for the entire extended family. I remember your thread from pre-trip, how your mom wants to spend lavishly while there and whether to ask mom’s siblings for money to make the trip happen, especially one better-off uncle. Seems mooching off each other is not atypical behavior in the extended family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:dont. as PP said you will become an ATM for the entire extended family. I remember your thread from pre-trip, how your mom wants to spend lavishly while there and whether to ask mom’s siblings for money to make the trip happen, especially one better-off uncle. Seems mooching off each other is not atypical behavior in the extended family.

link?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Block them on Whatsapp, unless you want to become an ATM.

That's exactly what Jesus preached.

Is Jesus going to come pay OP's bills when she needs it?

Is this a question of not being able to pay bills or not having sufficient discretionary income?

Doesn't matter. OP is not obliged to give if she doesn't want to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Block them on Whatsapp, unless you want to become an ATM.

That's exactly what Jesus preached.

Is Jesus going to come pay OP's bills when she needs it?

Is this a question of not being able to pay bills or not having sufficient discretionary income?

Doesn't matter. OP is not obliged to give if she doesn't want to.

No one is obliged to give, but some of us live by a different moral code to care for family and those in need.

[Anonymous]

Fellow Guatemalan here. Just say no. I had family (who I don't know) ask me to sponsor them here. Sorry!

[Anonymous]

Op here. She said she needs the money for gas bill. But I have no idea if she’s telling the truth or not. My mom is an ATM machine for all her nieces and nephews and has been for years. They ask ask ask. I really don’t want to send any. I said no. I feel bad but my cousin is a cop and I have no idea why he can’t pay it.

[Anonymous]

No way! Block them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Block them on Whatsapp, unless you want to become an ATM.

That's exactly what Jesus preached.

Is Jesus going to come pay OP's bills when she needs it?

Is this a question of not being able to pay bills or not having sufficient discretionary income?

Doesn't matter. OP is not obliged to give if she doesn't want to.

No one is obliged to give, but some of us live by a different moral code to care for family and those in need.

You do you and drop the sanctimony.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No way! Block them.

Block them?
Good, you're an asshole.

[Anonymous]

I will not block them. I would like to add that they only speak to me to ask me for money.