I'll start off by saying that I absolutely realize this is of my parents' own doing. And, while helping them with their retirement is important to me, it's not a huge priority because I'm currently trying to save and pay down some of my own debts. But, I'd like to help in whatever little way that I can right now.
My dad has done hard manual labor since he was 16/17. He's now 52 and I can see that he is getting tired. He went to a chiropractor because of some persistent pain he was having and she commented that his knees and back were comparable to that of an 80 year old. Hence, my concerns.
He makes $500 a week as long as he shows up the five days, which he almost always does. He got into trouble with the IRS a few years ago, so he is paid cash only. I don't know the details of the IRS problem. My mom likes to keep that under wraps.
My mom spent most of her years being a stay at home mom. Now, that we're all grown up, she is working part-time at a supermarket. She makes maybe about $200 a week on average. I know she has at least one loan, but, again, I don't know the details.
They own a truck and two cars, one of which was gifted by my sister because it was more dependable for driving out of town to see the grandkids. As far as I know, the truck and less dependable car are collateral on one of my mom's loans.
They are still buying their house. It's $500 a month, owner financed. They still owe $39k and is valued at about $50k.
They are terrible with money, always have been. But, surely, there is something I can do now to help them, especially my dad?
I have three siblings and they are all tight with money. Admittedly, I'm the best off because I dedicated myself to school and am the only one to have a college degree. I know my parents are irresponsible but I always did have their support.
So, what can I do to help my parents? What is something my siblings could help with too? They all have the same concerns as me about my dad.
Submitted February 08, 2017 at 09:43AM by bluebird227 http://ift.tt/2k2UyiF
