The biggest money mistake women make is to suffer from the "caregiver complex" and give their money away to their husbands, parents, family, their own children and even friends. In a poll published by Paula Nabrit and Leslie Steiner, 46.4% of black women said they gave money to their husbands, children, parents and other family members on a regular basis. Cultural beliefs such as always taking care of their own and a strong sense of unity in the face of challenges may be some key differences

This desire to help family can backfire. If you find yourself caught in the trap of constantly giving your money to your lover, parents, kids, family and friends, here are some tips to help you break the cycle. You do not have to stop giving, but set up some rules for yourself. First, if giving money to relatives is something you regularly do, then budget money gifts within your monthly budget. If you want to give money to someone in a particular month, give only that amount of money.

Ask yourself if you are trading money for love. Are you trying to get love and have relationships with relatives who wouldn’t spend time with you unless you gave them money? Are you trying to pay back a parent for sacrificing for you when you were little? Examine the emotional payoffs you get from handing over your hard-earned cash and rethink the relationship. Find other ways to assist family members who are always in financial need. This keeps them from blowing the money on something else.

Take care of your own finances first, and make sure you are fully funded for your retirement before doling out cash to others. You work hard for your money; make sure it stays in your pocket until you decide to give it to someone truly in need, who really deserves it. This will empower you and will help others learn to stand on their own two feet. You can put an end to the pattern of being a cash cow to others with a little willpower of your own.