Should You Support an Adult Child?
Photo: Marc Royce
Q: I am a 59-year-old widow. My husband left me and the children in good shape financially. I'm trying to help my daughter through graduate school, but the real problem is my 41-year-old stepson, who is always asking me for money. Since he got married and had a baby, he's even worse off. I've already given him a spare car; the other day he asked to borrow $200 from my daughter. I've stopped answering the phone because it's so hard for me to refuse him. At this stage of my life, it would be nice to do some redecorating around the house and maybe even get plastic surgery, but I feel so guilty that my stepson doesn't have enough to get by. Should I keep helping him?
A: How can you tell me that your husband left you and the children in good shape financially and then say that your stepson is having trouble getting by? Let's hit rewind and restate your basic issue: Your husband left you in good shape, and you seem to be struggling with how, what, and when to share with the children.
On the one hand, you explain that you're helping out your daughter for what we both can agree is a good cause, but you set her up as a counterpoint to your stepson; you seem to be implying that he's financially irresponsible and always looking for a bailout. If that's the case, then giving him money every time he asks isn't helpful. He's 41 years old, not 21. He and his wife need to learn how to live within their means. Saying no to someone who is disrespectful of money shouldn't give you an ounce of guilt.
But on the other hand, if he's a hardworking, well-intentioned man who's a bit overwhelmed, you should help him. In that scenario, his needs trump your renovation desires.
It seems to me that your confusion stems from the fact that your husband left his estate to you, and along with it, the obligation to allocate it fairly. That means you need to assess the roots of your stepson's financial situation and act accordingly. In life it's important that we do what's right versus what's easy. Not picking up the phone when your stepson calls is easy, but that doesn't mean it's right.
A: How can you tell me that your husband left you and the children in good shape financially and then say that your stepson is having trouble getting by? Let's hit rewind and restate your basic issue: Your husband left you in good shape, and you seem to be struggling with how, what, and when to share with the children.
On the one hand, you explain that you're helping out your daughter for what we both can agree is a good cause, but you set her up as a counterpoint to your stepson; you seem to be implying that he's financially irresponsible and always looking for a bailout. If that's the case, then giving him money every time he asks isn't helpful. He's 41 years old, not 21. He and his wife need to learn how to live within their means. Saying no to someone who is disrespectful of money shouldn't give you an ounce of guilt.
But on the other hand, if he's a hardworking, well-intentioned man who's a bit overwhelmed, you should help him. In that scenario, his needs trump your renovation desires.
It seems to me that your confusion stems from the fact that your husband left his estate to you, and along with it, the obligation to allocate it fairly. That means you need to assess the roots of your stepson's financial situation and act accordingly. In life it's important that we do what's right versus what's easy. Not picking up the phone when your stepson calls is easy, but that doesn't mean it's right.
Please note: This is general information and is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions, including investments or changes to your portfolio, and a qualified legal professional before executing any legal documents or taking any legal action. Harpo Productions, Inc., OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Discovery Communications LLC and their affiliated companies and entities are not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial or legal decisions.
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