A Cuban woman who has lived abroad for over 30 years sparked a heated discussion on social media with a TikTok video urging both Cuban migrants and their families back home to be sensible about remittances.
Lourdes, known online for her content under the "Psychological Compass" theme on the account @lourdesmcr, recorded a nearly seven-minute reflection emphasizing that Cuban migrants are neither "money-printing machines" nor charities or social security institutions.
The video was prompted by a personal experience: Lourdes witnessed a young Cuban woman on Facebook vent her frustrations over her family's relentless demands for money. After publicly supporting this woman in the comments, Lourdes faced a barrage of criticism. "They ganged up on me and cursed me out," she recounted in her video.
Rather than backing down, Lourdes elaborated on her viewpoint. She argues that financial responsibility among adults is "downward"—towards children, not older relatives who had time to secure their own future. Yet, she acknowledges that Cuba's systemic crisis, characterized by low wages and widespread shortages, does create a certain dependency on relatives who have emigrated.
However, Lourdes insists that this harsh reality does not justify excessive demands. "Those living abroad work extremely hard and earn a salary; they don't have the budget of a country's social security system," she cautioned.
Her main message is for migrants to save for their own retirement and unforeseen events like accidents, illnesses, or unemployment. "If you send everything to Cuba, not only do you lose your safety net for emergencies, but you also can't afford vacations or small luxuries," she pointed out.
She also highlighted the importance of self-care: "You're the engine of all this support, and if you burn out, get sick, or have an accident, heaven forbid, then what? It's over for both you and them."
At the video's conclusion, Lourdes delivered a dual message: "Send money to your family; there's nothing more beautiful than helping when you can, but also be wise enough to save for your old age." She added, "To families in Cuba, a call for sensibility and consideration."
This video adds to a growing trend throughout 2026, with many Cuban women in the United States and Spain sharing similar experiences. In late August, Yeisla Colina recorded a clip while working as a delivery driver in the rain, announcing she would stop sending money to her family: "I'm done," she declared in a video that garnered over 165,000 views. In May, a Florida-based Cuban named D'yeny criticized relatives and acquaintances for "shamelessly asking," and in June, a Cuban in Spain demanded recognition for the effort involved in sending anything at all.
"I stand firm in my position and fully support those who set boundaries and refuse to be exploited," concluded Lourdes, who has been living outside Cuba for more than three decades.
Understanding the Impact of Remittances on Cuban Families
Why are remittances so important for Cuban families?
Remittances are crucial for many Cuban families due to the country's economic hardships, including low wages and a lack of basic goods. They often rely on financial support from relatives abroad to meet daily needs.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face when sending remittances?
Cuban migrants often face the challenge of balancing their own financial responsibilities with the demands from family members back home. They must manage their income carefully to ensure their own stability while assisting family in Cuba.
How can Cuban migrants set boundaries with their families regarding remittances?
Migrants can set boundaries by having open conversations with their families about financial limitations and the importance of saving for their future. It’s essential to communicate that while they want to help, they also need to secure their own well-being.