<prompt> Human: I knew it was bad, but he recently asked me for help paying his mortgage and I agreed to do it one time and I half expect him to not pay me back, and thats fine if he would give me his bank and credit card info so I could try to knock some sense into him.Heres a quick summary:20 credit cardslines of credit, debt totaling 45,000 and minimum monthly payments totaling 1,400.Monthly child support of 500 for 5 year oldsMortgage with about 25 years left because he refinances every 5 years or so, balance of 90,000 and monthly payment of 700. He recently got the house appraised and I think it was 120,000. He works a full-time hourly retail job, net income around 1,600monthHe has a 401k with about 250,000. Hes 51. He gets a dividend check every quarter and uses that to catch-up on his various debts. Ive tried to browse the subreddit for advice but most of it pertains to people who can cut their spending to pay off their debts. Hes 1,000 short per month before even adding on regular bills and groceries. He filed bankruptcy once about 11 years ago.Assuming he can change his habits and I know thats a big if, whats the best method to get this debt under control? His credit score is about 650. The options Ive seen so far would be refinancing the house, a 401k loan, a debt consolidation loan, and bankruptcy. Any advice is appreciated!TL;DR Dad is drowning in debt and Im attempting to save him so I can smack him  <response>: sounds like he has a history of spending more than he makes, been doing it for atleast 15 years.refi-ing the house buys him time, but just increases his monthly payment, so when he keeps spending the same, he will fall behind faster each time.you cant force him to do anything but do NOT give him money, its a complete waste. He will end up in bankruptcy and your pissing money into a black hole.He needs to get a 2nd job or come to terms with the lifestyle that minimum wage affords. 