I love my family and I think that my family is my weakness. However, I am a single mother with two children, I'm content, maintaining, and managing in my finances. Unfortunitely, I have 'older' siblings who often ask to borrow money. I sometimes get frustrated because they ask. It's not as if though do not work, but they seem to always be in need. After letting them borrow, I notice when I want to buy certain things, I can't... I've lend all my extra money out and then find myself needing a loan. How do you say, "no" to these lovable ppl; making yourself not the crutch?

You tell them what you've told us - you're a single mother with two children. You have enough to provide for yourself and the children. When you lend money to other people you DON'T have enough money to provide for yourself and your children.

Sorry, but no.

Omg I know the feeling. We are just to nice and learn to sy no.. I'm short this week, I have bills to pay and I can't help out. If they don't understand that then they should be ashamed of themselves'

Do they borrow the money or do you give them the money. Do they pay it back? If they pay it back, then you should be OK since it is not gone, just coming back latter.

Do you ask them to sign a loan paper, do you charge interest.

Because you are not independently wealthy, and find that loaning out money, means you cannot afford to buy things, as you said, that you normally would, it's time to learn to set some boundaries.

Keep it simple. "No, I'm sorry, I can't". That's it. You will get a surprised look, maybe a 'why not' question, to which you owe no response, other than to repeat, "No, I'm sorry, I can't".

It make take time, they may resent it, they may 'punish' you for a time, but anything meaningful between you and your family members who borrow, should pass quickly enough when they respect your decision.

Don't allow yourself to be bullied, or guilted into lending money. Just stop doing it (if it comes to that). Stick to your guns.