DEAR ABBY: A close friend — whom I’ve been urging for years to save for a rainy day — is now facing a very real storm. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. Knowing her financial situation — living paycheck to paycheck despite her and her husband’s high-paying jobs — I felt compelled to help by setting up a GoFundMe.
I have been managing updates on her journey, but the truth is, she has always been impulsive with money — spending bonus checks on gambling, cruises, fancy restaurants and vacations rather than building a safety net. Now, with this diagnosis, her past spending habits are coming back to haunt her. Many friends and family, knowing her history, are reluctant to donate.
It’s heartbreaking to see her struggle, but in spite of her illness, she still indulges in these expensive habits despite needing to save every penny. I’ve tried talking to her, but she’s in a fragile state physically and emotionally. I feel conflicted. On one hand, I want to support her through this difficult time; on the other, I can’t condone her continued spending.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
