My parents moved back to their home country a while ago and continued to ask for money for years. I was saving up for my own house but would eventually say yes and give them money every time as I felt guilty. It got to a point where they just expected me to say yes and one time I said no they said to me "I know you'll do it anyway, so thank you. Bye for now!". That's when I knew it was a toxic relationship and since then I have never responded when they reach out, because I know they will ask for money every time.

Looking back, I'd given them a total of around $40-50K and if it weren't for this, I would be in a much better position financially. I would have been able to purchase a home before the housing prices in Australia skyrocketed. Not cutting them off sooner will probably be something I'll regret for a long time.