It can be difficult watching a loved one struggle financially. 2020 has been a difficult year, and many people have faced redundancies or a loss of earnings. Financial pressure can have a huge impact on a person’s health and wellbeing.
We all want to help our loved ones, especially when they’re going through a tough time. However, helping financially can be difficult depending on your own economic situation. Here are 4 ways to financially support a loved one.
Help with admin
When you’re in a state of financial difficulty, you often find that there’s a lot of admin to take care of. For example, if your friend is applying for benefits, there may be a lot of complicated paperwork to take care of (whilst we’re on the subject of benefits, did you know that veterans may be eligible for compensation? Use this VA Disability Calculator to find out more – this may be something your friend finds useful if they’re ex-military). While your loved one will need to fill out the paperwork themselves, assisting with the admin in this difficult time could be a great help. We all find admin confusing and stressful, and two heads are better than one.
Loan money
Not everyone is in the position to be able to loan money to a loved one. However, if you are, this might be a huge help. While some banks or companies might offer loans, these often come with high interest rates that might add to your loved one’s stress levels. A loan from someone close to them eases any stress and feels much less complicated. However, loaning money to a loved one can be difficult. Just make sure that you have open and honest communication about the loan. You don’t want them to feel indebted to you or ashamed for borrowing money. It’s never healthy to push money onto someone who doesn’t want to take it, either.
Be present
During financial stress, your loved one might need to attend meetings at the bank or with other companies. It’s always useful to have another person present to listen in and make notes. They might just want someone there to give them strength and courage. Be that person. Go to the meetings if they ask and be a friendly face. It will greatly help.
Emotional support
Struggling financially can have a huge toll on a person’s mental and physical health. Your loved one might feel depressed or fatigued. The most important thing that you can do is listen to their concerns and provide emotional support. Offering a kind and sympathetic ear goes a long way. Make sure your loved one knows you’re there for them and be available whenever they need you. People often find that walking and talking about their feelings can be a great release, so try to encourage some activities of this nature.
