I’m tired of lending my family money and never getting it back

DEAR DEIDRE: I’m so sick of my family borrowing money and never paying me back that I posted on Facebook, “Brian’s Bank is closed!”

I grew up in a family that didn’t have much and we helped each other as best we could.

I’m tired of lending money to an ungrateful family

No problem is too small, too big or too embarrassing. Read our personal responses here.

I am 58 years old and my wife is 56 years old. We have been married for 30 years and have an adult family. My wife and I both work.

We have a great life and I’m grateful, but we struggle like everyone else and most of the time we live on a month’s paycheck.

I have always helped my family when I could. But a cousin, who is 55, asks me for money every week.

I give her what I can, but she never pays me back. When I ask her to cough, she acts like it never happened.

She always asks me for money even though I put this post on Facebook.

I’m so frustrated. I feel like I’m losing my mind.

Each issue receives a personal response, usually within 24 hours on weekdays.

DEIDRE SAYS:As a general rule in life, it’s best not to lend money that you can’t save to family and friends. This so often leads to trouble.

Your cousin may not have seen your message, so make one last attempt to explain that you really need your money.

Stay calm, but insist that she start paying instalments if she can’t pay you back in full.

If she refuses, you may just have to put it down to experience and promise not to lend any more money.