Haitians living abroad are often responsible for the economic welfare of relatives back home. They face additional financial pressures that can lead to anxiety, resentment and guilt.

Consider the following suggestions to help you ease money-related family tension and reduce financial stress.

Communicate with Your Family

People often feel the need to uphold the image they have everything together financially. However, trying to maintain that façade can make your money problems worse. Talk to your relatives about your financial situation. Although money can be a sensitive topic, it’s better to discuss things openly so they can know what to reasonably expect from you.

Create a Plan

After discussing your circumstances with relatives, draft a plan for what you can reasonably send every month and share it with them. A plan will help you budget your money better to cover your various responsibilities. It will also provide your relatives an opportunity to identify other sources of income to supplement what you can’t send.

Ask for Help and Share the Responsibility

Talk to other relatives who also live abroad. A combined effort is better than trying to do it all on your own. Discuss the possibilities of pooling your money together and sending in increments. Sharing financial responsibility can lessen the burden on an individual, and may result in increased support for family back home.

To Send or Not to Send:The Remittance Dilemma