My family thinks I’m cheap, but they’re just selfish.

TLDR:

Personal finance advice: A person struggling with a chronic illness is called “cheap” by their family for not spending on gifts. The person is focusing on their health and improving financially. Setting clear boundaries with family is advised by a psychologist. For first-time homebuyers making more than the median income, options may include reaching out to mortgage brokers and exploring state and federal assistance programs. Furnishing a new home can be done slowly over time, avoiding cheap furniture and utilizing payment plans at furniture stores. Reselling websites and thrift stores are great options for affordable pieces.

Key Points:

• Struggling with a chronic illness and not spending much on gifts leads family to think the person is “cheap.”
• First-time homebuyers making more than the median income may need to explore various options such as reaching out to mortgage brokers and state/federal assistance programs.
• Furnishing a new home can be done slowly over time, utilizing payment plans at furniture stores and exploring reselling websites and thrift stores for affordable pieces.

Pay Dirt is Slate’s money advice column where a person struggling with a chronic illness is concerned about being labeled as “cheap” by family for not spending much on gifts. The person explains their financial situation and how their priority is their health due to the chronic illness. A psychologist suggests setting clear boundaries with family to maintain psychological well-being while focusing on getting better.

For first-time homebuyers making more than the area’s median income, options include reaching out to mortgage brokers for guidance on mortgage loan options and exploring state and federal assistance programs. The person is advised to continue building their savings and consider alternative areas with lower property taxes for affordability.

When furnishing a new home, it is recommended to avoid buying cheap furniture that may need replacing soon and to utilize payment plans at furniture stores if feasible. Slowly purchasing pieces over time, monitoring reselling websites and thrift stores for deals, and creating a vision for the desired look can help save money and reduce waste.