| Adapted from an online discussion. Dear Carolyn: Over the past few years, I got myself in credit card debt to the tune of over $20,000. Because I grew up poor, when I first started earning good money, I went kind of overboard. One of my favorite ways of treating myself was spending money on my family, who still can’t afford things like eating out, nice clothing, vacations, etc. When I joined a debt reconciliation program, I had to give up credit cards and commit to an aggressive timeline for paying everything off. I didn’t realize I was spending so much on other people until I started budgeting. I just can’t spend on my family like I used to, but having to say no all the time now makes me feel like a miser. I’ve explained to them why, but it’s clear the Christmas gifts I bought everyone this year were a total letdown. My little sister was disappointed to find out the birthday trip we’re taking to New York City is going to be very different from her other birthday trips. We’re staying in a budget motel in New Jersey, taking the train into the city each day and not seeing a Broadway show. When my mom thought I couldn’t hear, she was complaining to my dad about how she never gets to go out for dinner or even have takeout anymore because I was the one who always treated. I’m beginning to wonder if it’s worth living like this. — My Family Thinks I’m Cheap | 
