My mother and older sister with cancer have just moved in with me. What is fair for living expenses if they can afford it?

thanks for all the guidance, will get organized.

When my MIL moved in, I took count of what she'd be using. Heat (you usually have to have it turned up for older people, more stove and m/w usage as well as dryer), Water (more water will be used--more usage of b/r, more laundry, more showers, etc.), Food (will be consuming more), more trips will be made (Gasoline for the vehicle). ...and groceries are going up, gasoline is going up, it seems like everything's going up and our paychecks stay the same), more garbage, more storage space needed. Just take a tally of what is done in your home. The TV and/or radio will be on a lot more. When my MIL moved in, we had to put add'l. railings in inside and out. We had to get a gate, since she was the only one downstairs at night. Seriously, start tallying things up--even what you think is stupid--b/c it's not. ((((HUGS)))) & Good Luck!

Take care, Laura

I would find out what a simple, one-bedroom apt. goes for in your area and charge them apx. the same. As stated above, they should chip in for all groceries you all share and buy their own personal items. Utilities shoud be divided in thirds as well. Any home repairs and upkeep would be your resposibility since you would do these things if anyone else was renting from you.
Of course, if their finances are stretched and you can afford it, adjust accordingly.
I would HIGHLY resommend having this discussion soon. It is too hard doing it later.

Most people live from paycheck to paycheck and knowing that, you and your husband need to come up with a solution to this. Get out your checkbook and go back a few months before they moved in. Look up how much you were spending for your utilities then, and compare that to what you're spending now since having them live with you. That will give you an idea of how much you should be asking for. It's not rocket science, it's logical that they should pitch in what they're spending. You'd do the same for them if the roles were reversed. Try to set aside the guilt and put your logical hat on. Maybe your husband should be talking to them since men are usually a little more logical and less emotional then us women. Either way, stick together and show a united front when approaching them. Maybe your mother just needs to see what you're spending extra on her and her sister, in black and white.

my sister helps with groceries, but our utility bills now and gas bill are out the roof, with extra trips and their need for heat. they do not volunteer to help and we uncomfortable asking, My husband and I live from pay ck to pay ck and can withdraw from mom, but do not know what is fair, we know to keep receipts, but feel uncomfortable to ask for anything, it makes us feel bad.

If you've been living alone for awhile and making ends meet okay, then the biggest change will be the groceries. Why not have them pick up 2/3 of the grocery bill from now on, since they're eating 2/3 of them? Now if they can afford a little more, then adjust it from there.