Putting Yourself in Debt

My child is only 8 months so don't have that dilemma yet, although did just pay out a small fortune on a hotel for his hospital stay! I would only give over money if I could afford to. My husband and I have been given money once by his Granny but they were very special circumstances and we didn't ask for it, she just gave it, but it did come in handy. We've often had to give my mother in law money to help her out. I don't think anyone should put themselves in debt for someone else. If you can afford to help then help but otherwise don't do it, it will only lead to resentment and arguments.

Yeah I don’t think I would... my partners Mum and dad put themselves in thousands of pounds worth of debt for their younger son who is 25, hes not even the tiniest bit remorseful or appreciative, hes done nothing to pay it back and will most likely do it again because he knows he will get bailed out..

I never lend money to anyone. If I can afford it I will give it and then forget about it rather than sit stressing about when it will be paid back, if ever, and risk souring the relationship.

I think putting yourself in date for the sake of your child is a very dangerous thing to do, because you can't help them twice when you're in debt yourself.

I would do anything for my children and when their adults i will try to help them out as much as i can but after 18 money will be something they sort out themselves. Of course if they needed money for something and i had it then id lend it to them, but i wouldnt put myself in debt to do it. If my children would cut me off because of that then they wouldnt have the morals and family values i raised them with. I moved out when i was 18 and i havent asked my mother for a penny. She has lent me money and ive lent her money if weve been out shopping or whatever and didnt have enough cash etc. If i really needed the money then i know she would try to find a way to help me but i wouldnt let her take a loan or get into debt for my problems.

I unknowingly put myself in debt the moment I added one of my sisters to my credit card (I assumed she'd use it responsibly) and now I'm paying it off. I'll be done with it by the end of the year.

Had I known about how financial unstable she is (spending money she doesn't own/have as if it's hers), I'd not have made this mistake. I really liked Amex and it was canceled because of her.

I wouldn't because I am not a soft touch for a sob story and knowing those types you can say goodbye to ever seeing them again or your money.

Our children, now adults, have never asked for money. We have helped them financially which they appreciate and am sure they would ask for guidance before getting themselves in debt.

I seem to recall a saying Never a borrower or a lender be.

About 2 years I refused to act as a guarantor for my son's rented flat. This was because I had been a guarantor for him and the past and every month I had to make up the rent & at the end I was paying the full amount £600. It wasn't sustainable, so at the end of the 12 month lease. He had to move back in with us and he wasn't happy,but I had learnt my lesson. It was a bit bumpy for a few months, but now we get on a lot better.

I still help him out financially, but only what I can afford. He did try to manipulate me with threatening not coming to see me, but I said it be only wanted £ then I was fine with that.I am not prepared to put my own financial future at risk.

I would rather go without than be beholden to someone else. I certainly wouldn't impose upon or use emotional bribery on loved ones. It is not contingent on other people to pay your way through life. We have personal responsibility.

This guy didn't pay what he owed thinking it'd just be forgotten or something and now it's getting worse:

Never let this happen and talk to the debt collector to work out a payment plan.

I would never go into debt for anything. If my child could not manage financial I would give advice and emotional support.

I’ve been in debt myself and buried my head in the sand. It was awful and got worse and worse. I lost my house and ended up bankrupt despite working 12 hour shifts 6 nights a week. Eventually I had a nervous breakdown and that’s when I got help (not financial help). That was many years ago but since then I have never even owed anyone a fiver and I never will not for anyone