How to deal with relatives who keep asking you for money?

Just tell the truth, you can't afford it.   Making their life work AND your life work at the same time on one salary is a burden you don't need.  If I have to go without due to money shortage it will be to help my parents, siblings or children.  Life is too short to worry about too much more than yourself Friend.  Good luck to you :)

Keep it simple.  Just say, "I would like to help you but I no longer have money to spare. If the situation changes, I will let you know."

Never explain or reveal your salary, budget, or expenses to anyone, including your mother.

If that makes the family angry, too bad.

If they challenge you, handle it like this:

Them: But you live in the U.S., where everyone is rich !

You:  No, not everyone.

Them: But Americans have more money than Colombians.

You: Some do, some do not. I do not.

Them: But you helped us before.

You: But I can no longer help.

Them: Not even $10.00 a month?

You: Not even $10.00 a year.

Them: But how much do your expenses cost?

You: I just do not like talking about my expenses. It is depressing.

Them: But we are family !

You: As I said, I wish I could help you.

Them: But you send your mother money every month !

You: But I have no money to spare after that.

Them: But I am hungry and homeless !

You: As I said, if my situation changes I will notify you.

Them: You are just selfish and greedy and uncaring.

You: I am sorry you feel that way.

Them: But I am dying of a disease and I need money for the hospital.

You: I wish I could help you.

Them: Not even one dollar?

You: If I had it I would spare it. I do not have it.

Them: I do not believe you. I think you are lying.

You: Again, I am sorry you feel that way. Please notify me if  you change your mind.

Them: You only care about yourself !

You: Again, I am sorry you feel that way.

Them: Well how much money do you make?

You: As I said, I do not like to discuss my finances.

Them: Why? What are you hiding?

You: I simply do not like to discuss my finances with any person for any reason.

Them: Well you are a selfish b**ch and I hope you rot in H*ll.

You: Again, please notify me when you change your mind.

Don't take the bait.  If the stories he tells you are designed to make you feel guilty, he is baiting you into giving him money.  You fight fire with fire by explaining to him all the expenses you have and how you are struggling to stay afloat on your end, potentially making him feel guilty for even asking.  Maybe even including how nice it would be to have the money you already gave him.

If the uncle persists, maybe you can help him out for some quid pro quot.  Maybe you can think of something he can do that might help your Mom in return for the money offered.  If he is unwilling you know his selfish motives and can dismiss him, the same way he has dismissed you all your life.  But if not, giving him money benefits your Mom which makes it a win win.  Good Luck.

My mother had the same problem after migrating to Australia from a poor country in Europe. The relatives OS don't know any different apart from stories they hear, so think you're wealthy. You'll have to tell them about your financial struggles and how more expensive it is to live in the US than Colombia. Send them money when it's someone's birthday, but the rest of the time tell them you don't have the money.

Remember who your are obligated to you first not your family who are all as grown as you I’m sure right? Each has to carry their load of responsibilities. Let your Yes mean Yes and your No mean No. 

Sounds like your mom told him that you give her money. Keep more quiet about things.

just tell him you cant afford it

Depends a lot on religion and beliefs. but generally a  family  of good mores  and healthy wouldn’t think much of it.

The sons like to give a gift to show that they are  fine .

Tell him NO MORE CASH, and the same goes your mom!!  Now maybe I don't understand the whole thing about immigrants sending money back home, but what exactly do they use it for?  Why can't your uncle and your mom get a job??  You are not the answer to their money problems and you have your own bills and life to worry about. See what happens when you stop sending money.  If they are still living, breathing and eating months from now, then you know they're just fine without your hard earned cash.  Especially your story-telling uncle....he's much older than you and there is no reason he can't make an income for himself!!  Don't worry about being rude, just be firm and say no!!

Just tell him it is very expensive to live in the US and with the pandemic your current financial situation is not conducive to lending/giving any more money - and won't be for the foreseeable future.