24-year-old tired of paying entire phone bill for family of 6, gives them an ultimatum: 'I just can't be the bank anymore'

Author image for Ben Weiss
Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Nov 5, 2025 8:00 AM EST

It's conventional for young adults to have to figure out how to support themselves and become financially independent after their parents cut them off. Of course, everyone's experiences during this time are different. However, most young adults shouldn't find themselves in the situation of having to financially support several fully grown adults.

Clearly, this 24-year-old possesses a skillset and level of responsibility that her family members have noticed and have grown to rely on. Otherwise, why would they not be able to pay their own phone bills without her pitching in? This is someone who only recently entered the professional workforce, and yet somehow, she is being made to feel cold for not wanting to pay bills on behalf of her parents, brother, and crazy aunt.

After giving those family members ample time to consider finding another solution for themselves, they each expressed a need for this author to continue covering for them for a variety of reasons. One family member was unemployed. Another had "more important" bills to pay. The crazy aunt couldn't fathom why she wouldn't have her phone bill paid for. After all, she was "family."

Keep scrolling below to find out what happened when this author finally gave her family an ultimatum!

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  • 01
    A young woman manages her budget at her desk.
    via Unsplash+ (Getty Images)

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Shout out to this author for being so wise and responsible beyond her years that she knew instinctively that no matter how her family members tried to frame it, she was in the right. Shouldn't these folks be embarrassed for relying so heavily on someone who is that much younger? It'd be one thing if there were a justifiable reason why they couldn't pay their phone bills, but none of them seemed to have compelling ones.

  • 02

    "[Would I be wrong] for shutting off the family phone plan after giving everyone 60 days notice"

    I am 31F and somehow ended up the owner of our family phone plan. It started when I was 24, dad was I off, mom's phone was on an ancient flip, my brother
    via argontailor
  • 03
    was still in community college. I put us all on my Verizon account and got the discount. Fast forward and it is 6 lines now.
    via argontailor
  • 04
    Mine, my boyfriend, mom, dad, brother, and my aunt who joined during 2020 because her phone died. The bill is 188 to 210 depending on taxes. For years I split it out on a Google Sheet and everyone was supposed to Zelle
    via argontailor
  • 05
    me their share by the 5th. In practice mom pays on the dot, dad forgets until a reminder, my brother sends half and then "will top up Friday," and my aunt goes
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    silent for weeks until I call. I have eaten late fees twice and my credit card utilization spikes because I float the bill for other people. Last month my card got
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  • 07
    flagged and declined at the grocery store, I stood there with a cart of food and a red face because the phone autopay had just hit again and it tipped me over.
    via argontailor
  • 08
    I sent a nice group text and an email. I wrote that starting October 1 I am moving my number and my boyfriend's number to our own plan, and that I will remove the remaining lines
    via argontailor
  • 09
    November 1. Gave them exact dates, links for porting, and even called Verizon to double check steps for them. I offered to do the transfers if they gave me the info.
    via argontailor
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    I also explained that I am not angry, I just can't be the bank anymore and it is messing with my budget. Immediate reactions.
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  • 11
    Mom said she understood and asked for help setting her plan, we did it Saturday and it went fine. Dad said "wow, harsh," and that he has more important bills
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    right now. My brother said I am sabotaging his job search because recruiters call him, I told him he can keep his number, he just needs to own the line. He
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  • 13
    replied with three crying laugh emojis. My aunt called my mom crying that I am punishing her when she is "family." She still owes me for July and August, 58 each, I am not chasing it.
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  • 14
    Now my dad is upset and says holidays will be awkward if I cut them off. Part of me feels ice cold about it, but also I gave sixty days, multiple reminders, and
    via argontailor
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    even tech support. WIBTA if I stick to the deadline and let the lines go dark if they have not moved by then.
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  • 16
    A young woman holds her credit card as she pays a bill online.
    via Unsplash+ (Getty Images)

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 17
    . Sassy-Peanut • 7h ago You gave them all fair notice and explained your reasons. Instead of guilt tripping you they should feel bad at making you responsible for their bad financial planning. Kudos to Mum though for her response.
    via argontailor
  • 18
    TourCold8542 · 6h ago . NTA--they're taking advantage of you. Props for setting good boundaries!
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  • 19
    Dont-Blame-Me333 6h ago NTA shut that atm down & tell them it's their problem to fix. Also say family get togethers wont be a problem because you dont spend time with grifters. Mom is welcome to join you.
    via argontailor

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