Family members in Guatemala ask me for money

[Anonymous]

My mom is from Guatemala and we visited last year over Xmas. While I was there some of my cousins got my WhatsApp and one cousin has asked me for money. I said no and he now doesn’t even message me anymore. My cousins wife just messaged me asking me for money as well. I am a teacher and make $2000/k a month after taxes. It’s not like I’m swimming in money. I don’t have children but I do have my own bills to pay and have responsibilities. This cousins wife has nevertheless asked me but I feel that since they for my WhatsApp now they can’t can ask me instead of my mom. They would always ask her and my mom now says no. WWYD?

[Anonymous]

no way

[Anonymous]

Sorry typos, I meant now that they have my WhatsApp it’s another person they can ask besides my mom.

[Anonymous]

Say no. Take your mom's lead. This is going to be a bottomless pit if you cave.

[Anonymous]

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.

[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.

+1 I was visiting my parent's country a few years ago, and one of his nieces was thanking me because my dad put her through medical school. I never knew, and now I understand why my dad never spent a penny on himself--he wore his shoes til they wore out, and never bought a book or went to a movie. There's all kinds of generosity in this world--you need to decide what kind of person you want to be.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

What's the money for? Food? Maybe.

New shoes and such. No way.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

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

That's exactly what Jesus preached.

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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?

[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.

OP's mom isn't asking for money. The cousins are.

[Anonymous]

OP, find out what they are in need of, in terms of material goods, and you can try and collect items and ship them. Does your extended family hint that they hope to travel to the U.S. and name you as their landing pad?