How can you ask the loan be repaid-and what do you say if she/he asks for money in the future without looking like a jerk?
This is what our readers had to say:
-Kathleen: “That would happen twice. The third time I'd say, ‘I would lend you money when you pay back what you owe!"
-Dan B.: “As soon as you see them just say, "Hey, can you spot me a few bucks. I'm coming up a little short this month again. Maybe like $500?" Do this a few times and the problem just goes away."
-Patrick: “You go to their house and take their TV until they pay you back.”
-Frank: “Start borrowing money from them!”
-Maura: “I usually remind them before I see them that night. ‘Looking forward to seeing you tonight. Do you think you can pay me back what you owe me tonight?’”
-Nancy: “Next time you are in a social situation with a tab, just mention in a nice way, I covered you last time, this time is on you.”
-Tom: “Loans are for Banks and Businesses and not for friendships. If a bank won't lend them $$, why should you or me?? It usually expedites the end of friendships so if you want to get rid of them, that is your cost."
-Enza: “My mother always says: If you loan a friend money you're going end up losing both your friend and your money!”
And what does our Mannersmith say?
Jodi Smith, Mannersmith: "Oh, I am so sorry; I only have enough to cover my fair share of the bill. Do you want to put it on your credit card and I will give you my cash?"
Preemptive Etiquette she suggests. “You know your friend's wallet is always on empty, start swinging by the ATM as you go to the bar/movie/restaurant with ‘I don't know where my money goes! I have to stop and get some cash. Which bank do you use? Do you need to grab some too?’"
Back to: Are Your Friends Making You Broke?
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