Bianca and her husband were struggling financially when her mother-in-law asked to borrow $2,500. Although Bianca appreciated that her MIL once helped them buy their house, she was worried about their current finances. She wanted to help, but only if it didn’t put her own family at risk.

To make things fair and transparent, Bianca set two simple conditions: that the loan terms be clearly discussed together, and that a repayment plan be established. She emphasized that these conditions weren’t meant to undermine her MIL’s past generosity, but to make sure no one faced unexpected financial strain.

Bianca planned a calm conversation involving her, her husband, and her MIL—ensuring everyone understood the financial situation and could openly express their needs. She also considered offering a smaller loan if $2,500 felt too risky or suggesting non-financial support like budgeting help or grocery assistance.

In the end, Bianca simply wanted to balance gratitude with responsibility. Lending money to family can easily damage relationships, so by setting boundaries and offering alternatives, she hoped to protect both her home’s finances and her bond with her MIL.