I totally understand your dilemma and agree with Dom. If you were not expecting things would be easier and easier still if you were working. It wouldn't be so bad if it was just one or two of your very direct family (brother, sister or parents) asking, but I know in these some cases it ends up with extended family and even other people asking for things. I just wish people in other countries would not think that this is NOT the land of milk & honey and we are in a recession so it's hard on a lot of people. Of course it's not as hard as it is over there, but we still need to get by and not get into debt.
I can only that you could send a balikbayan box back at some point and just add small not too expensive things to the box now & again when you can and say that this is all that you can do.
The other problem which arises when you do give things, especially as soon as they ask, is that they always expect it again and start to take it for granted. Sometimes you just have a be a bit tough, but I know it' not easy.
