Some family members have a remarkable ability to turn old favors into lifelong, guilt-ridden obligations. You thought accepting their help came with no strings attached? Think again. Years later, they’ll find the most inconvenient time to cash in, presenting you with demands so audacious they barely count as a request. Apparently, being related gives them the moral high ground to use your financial stability as collateral for their bad decisions.  

One person was recently blindsided by this trap when their soon-to-be mother-in-law decided it was time to buy a house in their state. Normally, that would be fine—except she doesn’t qualify for a loan and refuses to rent. Naturally, she turned to this person to co-sign, since they’d make the perfect fallback plan if things go south. Of course, she promised to remove them from the loan when she eventually qualifies on her own. Because nothing reassures a person like vague promises from someone who has already declared bankruptcy, lost a house to foreclosure, and treats budgets like abstract art.