Growing up, I was always taught the importance of supporting my family, no matter what. The cultural and emotional pressure to "take care of your own" is deeply ingrained in me. So when my parents or siblings come to me asking for financial help, whether it's for bills, emergencies, or big expenses, I have an incredibly hard time saying no.

Part of it is the guilt - I know they're struggling, and I have the means to assist them. How could I possibly turn them away? There's also the fear of damaging my relationships if I refuse. My family is incredibly close-knit, and I worry that setting boundaries around money could fracture those bonds.

But this unwillingness to say no has come at a great personal cost. I've had to dip into my own savings, take on debt, and forgo my own financial goals to bail out my family members time and time again. It's left me feeling resentful, overwhelmed, and financially unstable.

I know intellectually that I need to establish healthier boundaries. I'm not responsible for solving all of my family's money problems, and they need to learn to be more self-sufficient. But that knowledge doesn't make it any easier to have those difficult conversations. The guilt and fear of backlash are just too strong.

I'm working on it, though. I've started by being more transparent about my own financial situation and limitations. I'm also trying to encourage my family to seek other resources, rather than relying solely on me. It's a slow process, but I'm determined to find a way to support my loved ones without sacrificing my own financial wellbeing. My family's happiness is important, but so is my own.