I honestly don't think there is much you can do. It is up to your parents how they want to manage their finances. They can make those choices. They have the option of your mother getting a job, or telling your brothers they won't receive any more money. However, you can take responsibility for yourself. Talk to them not about trying to help 'them' with money by getting a job, but to have it on your resume (which will look good to colleges, and make later jobs much easier to get,) tell them you want to be able to buy some of the things you need, go out with friends, etc. They may respond better to looking at it as you getting a job for yourself, and not for them. On the other hand, $5,000 seems like a lot, but compared to multiple college tuitions and bills and the like, it's not all that much. It might be that the situation just isn't as bad as you think it is. If your parents aren't worried, then you shouldn't be.
Sounds to me like you're worrying more than you need to. Let your parents be parents, you be the kid. Most people in the UK (where I live) have some sort of debt, and I'm pretty sure it's similar in the US. Being in debt does not mean that the whole world is about to tumble down upon you and your family. If your mother HAD to get a job, I'm sure she would, just like if your parents really couldn't afford it, they wouldn't give you the same amount of allowance.
Maybe let them know that you're worrying? They may be ale to reassure you. But your mum's not worried and you're older siblings don't seem that bothered either. This is not on your shoulders, so just let them deal with it. They are there to look after you and they seem to be doing that just fine, so maybe you don't have as much to worry about as you think you do?
It seems like you are a really good and responsible person:) I know you are trying to help out your family and I think that's wonderful. I definitely agree with smurfindisguise about telling your parents you want a job for yourself and not just to help them. You're obviously trying really hard to help out your family, but you're only 16 and I think you should try and enjoy your life and not worry too much. It would probably be good to get a job, but I think what would help your parents the most would be to see you happy.
I agree with the person who said you're acting responsibly. I think a lot of folks consider a $5,000 credit card debt "not a big deal" and as a result end up with a TON of debt. You have a couple of options: 1.) Try to get an extremely part-time gig like babysitting or filling out surveys online to help out. If they won't let you pay off the debt, use the money for things they would normally buy for you, so they end up saving money that way. 2.) Get a really good job after you are an adult (and have done the college education thing) and pay off the debt for your parents if it's still there.
Continue your track of being responsible with money. Very important with this messed up modern economy. Congrads on your maturity!
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Maybe let them know that you're worrying? They may be ale to reassure you. But your mum's not worried and you're older siblings don't seem that bothered either. This is not on your shoulders, so just let them deal with it. They are there to look after you and they seem to be doing that just fine, so maybe you don't have as much to worry about as you think you do?
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1.) Try to get an extremely part-time gig like babysitting or filling out surveys online to help out. If they won't let you pay off the debt, use the money for things they would normally buy for you, so they end up saving money that way.
2.) Get a really good job after you are an adult (and have done the college education thing) and pay off the debt for your parents if it's still there.
Continue your track of being responsible with money. Very important with this messed up modern economy. Congrads on your maturity!
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