Some of my clients are sending money back to family overseas when they aren’t really coping here. I think their priorities are wrong

Across the world money is sent from people living in wealthy countries to families in their home country, or sometimes to refuge camps where family are living.

In Australia we tend to expect each household to manage for themselves, but in many cultures around the world family members who have more resources are expected to contribute to family members who are less well off.

In countries without social security systems this provision is essential if people are to survive. Sometimes family members have obligations because their family provided the funds, or took out the loan that enabled them to come to Australia. Sometimes they have left children in the care of family overseas, and must provide for them. Sometimes they experience pressure from their family phoning or writing asking them for help.

It may be difficult to explain that although they live in Australia, they have limited opportunities and may be struggling themselves relative to their neighbours.

Just as in Australia many people would feel they have no choice but to buy Christmas presents for their family, families who are sending money to relatives overseas are likely to feel that this is an obligation that must be met.