<prompt> Human: Hi rpersonalfinance!Ive been lurking for a while, and while the situation Im about to describe has been brewing for a while, I finally have enough info to present it here and get your suggestions.Im a 32yo only child, married, with a 4yo. My parents are in their late 50searly 60s, and for the entirety of my life they have been shit with money. I cant remember a time when money wasnt a problem for us. I recently spoke with my mom who told me that they are essentially living in the red every month due to my dads credit card spending she thinks there are over 17 maxed, past due credit cards out there and they have 100K for retirement. My mom inherited the home kept it only in her name, but she owes 250k on it took out a mortgage because my grandfather didnt believe in maintaining the house, it needed a lot of work.My primary concern is how I safeguard my family from this shit storm. Theyve never asked for help, and I wouldnt give it even if they had and I was in the financial position to do so. Were all living in CA, so while my moms name may not be on the accounts, shes screwed due to it being a community property state. Ive accepted that there wont be any inheritance for me or my daughter, and thats just life. I just cant have this pulling my family under too, especially when were working so hard to make life work on our own and are doing reasonably well.  <response>: I wouldnt give it even if they had and I was in the financial position to do so. - this would have saved me a lot of grief with a family member, who passed away this year. That awareness is already putting your family in a good place. 