Brother needs help with credit cards

[keeneye]

My brother is in some serious need of help with his credit cards. He thinks they are just a toy, like play money. He has so many that I don't think he even knows how much cc debt he has.

His stated goal is to get as many credit cards as he can. He applies for ever one that comes in the mail. He and a friend have a running bet on who can get the most.

I try to tell him that it will all come back to haunt him, but he won't listen. It doesn't seem to concern him at all. How do you get through to someone like that?

[sdc2027]

His Debt will limit his ability to lease a car at a decent price and may also limit his ability to get a home without a lot down on it... right now if you can get him to think past his immediate existance and what his plans are for the future, that MIGHT help.

[moneyrant]

Lost cause. Can't teach someone who doesn't want to learn. Lesson will come later when he realises the impact. Nothing really you can do.

[Tree0164]

I agree with moneyrant. He will learn his lesson the hard way.

[terry1156]

You are right that he needs help, but as the others have stated, it doesn't look like he wants any at the moment. There isn't a whole lot you can do when he won't listen to the advice you are trying to give.

If there is someone that he trusts about money matters - maybe a good friend - they may be able to get through, but it's still a long shot. It's never a fun situation when you want to push somebody in the right direction and they refuse to listen.

[keeneye]

Here's the problem. I know he won't listen, but when this all blows up in his face, he is going to be coming to me to help get the mess all cleaned up.

He lost a job for a few months a couple of years back. When he first lost the job, he wasn't concerned at all. He just kept going out like he always did and spending lots of money. When his money ran out, he was on my doorstep asking for help. I had been warning him and warning him but he wouldn't listen. Then I have to help him out in the end. I can see this coming again and I want to avoid it but I don't know how.

[sdc2027]

Originally Posted by keeneye

When his money ran out, he was on my doorstep asking for help. I had been warning him and warning him but he wouldn't listen. Then I have to help him out in the end. I can see this coming again and I want to avoid it but I don't know how.

Even though he is family I don't see how you HAVE TO help him; when it comes to his irresponsible behavior. why support him? Say NO and tell him to have a nice day and that you'll be here for advice when he is ready to get serious. Stop cleaning up his messes by supporting him, you are his safety net, why should he worry about money.

[2moretrees]

I will have to agree with sdc2027 in this case. One of the reasons that he doesn't take things seriously is because he knows that you will be there to bail him out. He has to learn that won't always be the case.

It can be VERY difficult. Especially with family and some hard feelings can come about from it. But in the long run I think it is for the best. It really doesn't make sense you are here worrying so much about his problem while he is out spending away without a care.

[Tree0164]

You will have to stop enabling him. He will never take responsiblity if he has someone to pick up the pieces. I am assuming he is an adult so he needs to start behaving like an adult.

[keeneye]

I know what all of you are saying is right, but it is very difficult for me not to help him. He is my younger brother and if I don't help him, nobody will.

What am I supposed to say when he comes? Would you really turn you back on your own family like that?