<prompt> Human: My wife and I have 2 small kids and were finally at a point where we have our financial house back in order with regard to our savings, investments, and goals, but I continue to be plagued with pleas for help from my in-laws.My wifes parents just lost their house through foreclosure after the husband was out of work for a few months and the mother-in-law had a heart attack from the stress. Theyre now back to renting but continue to make stupid decisions regarding their finances and I would be surprised if they even knew how to spell the word savings much less commit to any type of planning.I have already loaned them money to help keep their utilities on with no expectation of ever seeing the money again, but I fear my show of kindness will somehow expose me to more of these future requests unless I can convince my wife to have some type of intervention with her parents.Have you ever had to experience this kind of circumstance, and if so, how did you handle it? I love my in-laws and certainly dont want them to end up homeless, but I fear if something isnt done, then well end up compromising our kids futures and our retirement goals through sheer relative guilt.  <response>: Next time you see them explain that things are getting kind of tight and ask if you can borrow some money from them. 