Family cant afford Christmas

Mojisola

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

Let the other dozen people she has begged £500 from pay for her Christmas.

It's quite possible that your wife isn't the only person to get the sob story.

My Mum used to help out a charity with making up Christmas food parcels - she got a phone call from an angry woman one year demanding to know where her parcel was - "I've had my parcel from the Methodists, the Anglicans, X and Y charity - but I haven't had one from you yet - when is it going to arrive?"

She didn't yet one that year.

The various groups co-ordinated their lists after that and found there were quite a few 'needy' people who were on several lists.

Gavin83

In your situation there is no way I'd be 'lending' them the money. If you do give them the money you have to accept you won't ever see it back and it won't be the last time they'll ask. As soon as you give it to them they'll see you as a soft touch and take advantage.

You can't help people that aren't willing to help themselves.

tesuhoha

I lent a family member some money a while back, a substantial sum like you are planning and like you I could afford it. They promised faithfully they would pay me back in instalments.

Several years later I have only received a small amount back and do not expect to get it back now. As far as I am aware my money was frittered away. So do I regret lending it to them? Yes. The lack of respect for me really jars. Would I lend it to them again if I could go back in time - no way in hell would I. Do I despise the person I lent it to? You bet.

Therefore, all I can say is that if you feel that way now about lending it to them then you will feel bitter resentment about it in years to come. Neither they nor their children will feel gratitude towards you and your wife and in fact it may drive a wedge between you.

So if I were you I would give them a very satisfying no.

[Deleted User]

You will never see that money back. Only loan it if you plan on giving it

BUT.. what about having them around for Xmas lunch?

thorsoak

Asda - small frozen turkey £10
Asda - 2 pkts pigs in blankets £5
Asda - 2 pks roasting veggies £2.50
Asda - 2.5 kg white potatoes £1.25
Asda - Special brussels & chestnuts £2.00
Asda - christmas pudding £1.89
Asda - mince pies 89p

...under £25 - and that's Christmas dinner sorted from Asda! Might even be able to throw in a bag of tangerines and a packet of nuts xxxx

I would do that -but not hand over cash ...

annandale

Tbh I think this thread has been started just to be divisive, people claiming benefits, the clampits etc.

Youve got no intention of giving them any money I would suspect. If any of this is even true.

annandale

As for having nothing wrong with them, there are many conditions where people are unwell and to look at them you would think they were healthy.

Its wise not to judge. If any of this is true, just do as other people have suggested, buy their Christmas dinner or have them over for dinner and buy the kids some presents.

No dramas.

FBaby

If I were your wife I would expect the detail behind the reason for them not having their benefits paid. If they are not willing to go into detail then they are probably lying.

If I was confident they were not I would cook for more and ask them to come and get it. If they are really starving they'll make the effort. Then I'd get the kids a present then. This is the spirit of Christmas sharing what you are fortunate to have not being taken for mugs. £500 Really!

Proxima_Centauri

It is possible their benefit payments have suddenly been stopped for whatever reason (sanction, needing to re-apply for the newer types of benefit, admin error, bank error, etc)


However, if they are living on the breadline they will not be able to re-pay £500 any time soon.

annandale

The Op has posted on several threads re their views on benefit claimants.

Not in a million years with those views would he be lending money out to the "clampitts'

Load of tosh just to get a reaction from people