My brother in law lost his job over about a month ago. He has a one and a half year old and his girlfriend just gave birth less than a week ago. They had no money saved because he was only there less than 2 months and he had been jobless for over 2 months before that. We helped them by buying a car seat and paying a few bills for them the last time he was jobless. I just had my second son a month and a half ago so I gave him all the diapers my son grew out of. I also have an almost 2 year old. Plus we’re paying for our house and paying to be in an apartment because our house got flooded by a storm. So we’re not really able to help financially as much as he needs.

He asked for money for food and diapers. The thing is, I coupon like crazy. Just last night I got 4 big boxes of wipes, 2 huge boxes of diapers, diaper cream, and a nose frida nose cleaner all for less than $70 originally $145. I always do that type of couponing even with groceries. He on the other hand spends whatever and doesn’t care about coupons. He also gets the most expensive brand diapers even though his kids can wear any. (I know because I’ve had to give them diapers for the oldest and he’s been fine and now they’re using diapers from my youngest and he’s fine) I feel like if we give him $100 he’s just going to waste it and we’ll end up having to give him more sooner than if I did the shopping.. we’re not in the place to keep forking over money but obviously I don’t want them to starve or go without.

How can I go about getting him to spend cheaper? My husband told me to go ahead and coupon 2 boxes of diapers and 1 box of wipes. He told me to get whatever I can get the cheapest. And we’d give it to him so we know it’s getting bought the cheapest way possible. Now we’re trying to find a way to give groceries cheaply. Any ideas?

I had a feeling someone was going to say something 🙄 so let me just say, when he is back on his feet he will pay us back. In fact, he pays me to do his taxes so we already agreed he’ll pay us back with his income tax return money. I would love to have help if I was struggling so bad, so yes we are going to help. But we also expect to be paid back. And also my husband and I dont make our financial decisions separately so that’s why I’m included in OUR families decisions.

Edit:

Most of you aren’t answering the question. Yes, he needs to get a job. Yes, we’ve helped out before, last year. Yes, he paid us back. Yes, he will pay us back again. I literally do his taxes even if he didn’t want to, I have to give him the cash from his refund. So I could just take what he owes us. But he’s a man so he agreed to pay us back. He lost his job because he got laid off, twice. Out of nowhere. He’s been trying to find a job but with the holidays around, everyone already hired people. I know he has applied because I’ve been called as a reference for some. He worked as a welder and now he’s just trying to find anything to make money. You guys may be okay with letting a breastfeeding mom and a toddler starve or be homeless, but I’m not.