How can I help my dad who is always stressed out about money?

Question

We used to own several businesses and were financially comfortable until recently. The businesses began decline in sales and we were forced to close them. My father now sells cars in order to make the mortgage payment, etc. My mother has now taken on a part time job to help with bills. My mother has never worked before.

My father is very stressed and sad about this. I can tell.

How I can help him accept the facts and live a happy life?

**** happens, everyone has ups n downs. He doesnt realize this.

Hes emberassed that my mom has to work, hes stressed out cuz he works 60 hours a week for a bullshit job.

Also, i know hes mad that i never became a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. I know that deep down he is thinking that I SHOULD BE PROVIDING and im not.

Im only 21. I go to school and have a job that pays enough for me to take care of myself, but for some reason, i can tell that he wants more.

He expects so much from me that it makes me feel like ****.

I feel like no matter what i do, i will never live up to his expectations.

What can i do to help my dad? My family? Myself?

Were all very depressed right now and have been for sometime.

Answer 1

i understand the the feeling to help provide for your family, but you need to be able to live a healthy life for yourself too.

first and for-most you need to have enough money to pay for school.  in the long run you will make more money and will be able to help your family more.

if you believe you have extra income then you can give some of it to your family, but make sure to save some in the bank, just in case you find yourself in a similar position to your parents one day.

barely making it by from month to month can be very emotionally stressful for anyone. it is most likely that you can do nothing to completely alleviate their financial trouble.  it is not selfish to pay for your education before giving to your parents. also, unless your parents come to you asking for money do not start giving them money.  it may very well make them more upset knowing their child is working to help provide for them.  

the best thing you can do is sit down with your parents and discuss their financial situation with them. then you can make a decision on how to help them. remember, school comes first though.