Protecting Your Family

Communicate boundaries with family money.

First, make sure your finances and credit are not at risk.

Don’t find yourself in horrible financial situations. There are several ways to make sure your credit and finances are protected, including having only your name on specific accounts and/or switching from joint accounts to separate accounts, as well as keeping tabs on any credit card or credit increase requests.

Take control of family finances.

Consider taking over family finances so you can monitor any issues that come up. Put a limit on credit line increases or how much money can be put on your credit cards. Set up alerts on your phone for debit and credit card activity so you can keep up with purchases and quickly freeze accounts if you notice problem gambling activity.

Make a plan for future financial freedom.

Try to keep your loved one accountable for their debts by refusing loans or hand outs. It’s difficult to say “no” to someone you love, but as long as they have debts from problem gambling, they will never be financially free.