what do you do if the individuals responsible for paying the bills are always "losing" the money?

Question

it's either getting spent before the bills get paid, getting actually lost, stolen, or loaned out without the chance of repayment. then, the only money that's left has to go toward the bills instead of providing things that the family needs... even christmas gifts for the children.

Answer 1

Wow, that's rough. Is it there money or yours? If it's your money, arrange for it to be deposited into an account and then have automatic withdrawals made for your usual bills. Then give this person cash to spend and no credit cards, and insist on credit counseling, too. If it's their money, insist that part of each paycheck go immediately into a joint account (best by direct deposit, then it can't get 'lost'), an account that takes care of joint bills, and have the bills paid automatically. For Xmas gifts for the kids, go to a charity and get gifts that way. If this is someone you're married to or related to, I'd really insist on counseling.

Answer 2

If there is a responsible adult in the household have that person manage the finances. If no one is a responsible person, then its time for a meeting and a plan.

For starters:1. Have checks directly deposited into checking acct, that will take care of the 'lost' problem.

2. Have as many bills as possible paid out of checking accts automatically (all utilities & insurances), some credit cards will allow this too.

3. Spend no money until you've gotten the necessities; e.g., groceries, prescriptions, pet food, gasoline, whatever.

4. When all of the above have been taken care of have another meeting to discuss what to do with what's left.

DO NOT LEND MONEY. YOU CAN'T AFFORD IT.

Answer 3

You must step in a become the one who's responsible for the paying of the bills since the person who's doing it now cannot be trusted.

Some people are just not good with money! They never learned....perhaps because their parents were also bad with taking care of the family responsibilities.

Answer 4

Sounds like a bunch of B.S. to me. What exactly is this money being spent on? I think it's time to confiscate their checkbook & credit cards. I'd also insist on any income they have being automatically deposited into your account. Is there any chance this person is spending the money on some type of addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping, etc.)? This person may have some type of emotional need that they are attempting to fulfill by misspending their income & may need counseling.