She Saved for Years For Her Dream Home, But Her Parents' Financial Disaster Turned Her Into Their Needed Lifeline.

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A young woman, referred to as the Original Poster (OP), finds herself torn between the struggles of her financially reckless parents and safeguarding her own hard-earned savings.

Inheritance of Misfortune

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OP’s parents have a history of making poor financial decisions. Her father squandered their life savings of $100,000 on high-risk penny stocks, which, come 2008, evaporated, forcing the family to downsize into a single room. Her mother, on the other hand, becomes entangled in a doomed multi-level marketing (MLM) venture.

Betrayal of Trust

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Ignoring OP’s warnings, her parents plunge into the shady MLM business. Their naivety results in them losing their accumulated down payment for a house. The couple, blind to OP’s reason, end up laughing off her concerns.

The Fallacy of Fast Money

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A new scam soon ensnares OP’s parents: a dubious “private broker” promising them a school loan, which they could utilize as they wished. Even though they’re not seeking education, the allure of easy money drives them toward yet another financial downfall. OP’s desperate pleas fall on deaf ears again.

The Pen That Seals Fate

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In a heartbreaking turn, OP struggles physically with her father, trying to prevent him from signing off on the scam loan. Despite her desperate intervention, he disregards her plea, accusing her of causing him embarrassment, and signs the document. Another $32,000 is thus lost to the scammers.

The Price of Stubbornness

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OP’s parents’ reckless financial gambits destroy their credit, leaving them unable to afford even basic accommodations. Homeless and penniless, they live out of their car, their financial options dwindling as they face the grim reality of their situation. They’ve sunk so low that recovery seems impossible.

Begging Bowl in Hand

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Their precarious situation forces OP’s parents to approach her for financial assistance. Aware of her savings of $100,000, they show up at her doorstep, begging for money. They also ask to move in temporarily while they sort out their situation.

Invasion of Privacy

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OP’s parents begin to encroach on her life, turning up unannounced at her apartment. Despite her empathetic nature, she’s torn between her parents’ desperate state and the boundaries set in her own home. Her roommate and her agreement to restrict extended stays to prevent resentment put her in a tight spot.

Unwelcome Guests

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Her parents’ stubbornness extends to their insistence on moving in with OP, ignoring her stated household rules. Fearful of their tendency to take advantage, OP feels trapped, anticipating that her parents may refuse to leave once they’ve settled in.

The Plight of the Prodigal

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Living out of their car, OP’s parents resort to visiting food pantries to get by. Their tragic situation is a stark contrast to their once comfortable life. Yet, OP finds it hard to sympathize with them due to their continued ignorance of her advice.

The Illusion of a Lifeline

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In a surprising twist, OP’s parents stumble upon information about her substantial savings. Aware of her $100,000 fund earmarked for a house purchase, they see it as their salvation. Their insistence on gaining access to it places further strain on their strained relationship with OP.

The Dilemma of Assistance

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OP is torn between helping her parents out of their destitution and safeguarding her own future. The situation forces her to weigh the moral obligation against the fear of her parents exploiting her help. Her dilemma is deepened by her parents’ persistent appeals.

Refusing to be the Scapegoat

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OP decides not to cave into her parents’ pleas for help. Recognizing that her financial security may be endangered by their reckless behavior, she bravely faces their continued pressure.

Wavering Loyalties

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Feeling the pressure, OP begins to question her decision not to assist her parents financially. The familial bond tugs at her heartstrings, but her head warns her of the potential consequences.

Was Refusing To Help Her Homeless Parents Appropriate?

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The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “. You cannot save them from themselves. They are a bottomless pit, and they will bleed you dry–and still end up homeless.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote: “As much as I hate people who let their parents be poor and homeless despite having the means to help, in your case, there is no other option. Some people can’t be helped!”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person states, “You have tried to help them, and they have made it clear they don’t want to listen to you. You can’t help people who don’t want to do the work to actually get better.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another viewpoint on the story: “You must have worked hard to end up doing as well as you’re doing, and they will drag you down if you give them an inch. Do not do it. Not one cent. This is not your fault, and you have no obligation to throw money away.”