I’ve said it before and I will say it again – I am very grateful for how my parents raised me to be financially responsible. They taught me how to budget my income, prioritize my expenses, and still feel like I have control over what I can or cannot buy. I was always able to afford the important things, like paying my rent and bills, buying groceries, and maintaining a savings account, all while still having enough for shopping, going out with friends, and generally the fun stuff that makes life worth living.

I don’t know where I would be if my parents hadn’t taught me all of that.

That being said, as much as I appreciate my parents, I still firmly believe money and family should not mix together, and if you can avoid it, please do. That means that if a family member asks for a loan, even if that member is your parents, be very careful with how you proceed, because that single request can very well ruin your entire relationship.