I have a friend that asks to borrow money about every two weeks. I lent it to him at first because I thought I would be nice. It's never that much money, usually just $20. But it's the principal off the thing. And he never pays me back. It's not that I mind loaning him money or need to be paid back. I just don't want him to be asking me to loan him $20 for the rest of my life. How do I kindly say what I am thinking ("No, get a job and quit asking me for money") without sounding like a jerk?
2007-01-28 10:01:07 · 32 answers · asked by victoryedge 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
"I'm sorry, I don't have money on me."
"Sorry, I can afford it right now."
"Hey, I can understand that you need to borrow money, but you haven't paid me back from last time, so I can't afford to lend any more."
"Do you need help looking for a job?"
2007-01-28 10:04:36 · answer #1 · answered by RantingLover 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
RantingLo...gave some really good suggestions. The only thing I would add would be to reverse the situation and try asking him for money before he can ask you. Something like..."Do you have the money that I lent you? I'm running a little short this month for my bills."
Whether it's true or not doesn't matter, the point is to make him realize that you can not give him money all the time. And that you have things you need to pay for too.
Remember when borrowing money to friends or family you should never expect to be paid back. You should be prepared to never see that money again. If he was a real friend he wouldn't keep taking advantage of your friendship.
2007-01-28 10:38:20 · answer #2 · answered by B 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
People who borrow money usually borrow small amounts so that the lender won't say they can't afford it. It's their ploy. Some will borrow and pay you back in a month's time, then days later, they will borrow again and take another month to pay.........followed by borrowing from you again in a few day's time, and so the cycle goes. So technically your $20-$50 is forever with him if you allow it to carry on like that. So break the cycle. Say NO.
Tell him "I'm sorry I won't be lending you money anymore." It's best to cut off such a "friend". He is not a friend, he is a freeloader, a sponge.
2007-01-28 18:36:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
hey----, I know that your in a tough situation right now not having a job. I can't lend you anymore money until you A) pay me back in a timely fashion or B) get a job so that i know you have the income to pay me back. I don't want to be a jerk but I don't want to loan you money without getting it back in return. I still want to be friends but, I would really appreciate the money you borrowed back.
2007-01-28 10:14:30 · answer #4 · answered by KT! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Say the truth but more like this, hey listen you know i don't have enough money anymore and i was wondering wwhen you would pay me back, my parents keep asking me where all the money is disappearing to and if you try to understand me i think you should try finding a job, say things i will help you look for one and say then when your job starts going you can pay me back and then you will have enough money for yourself too.
2007-01-28 11:06:01 · answer #5 · answered by island girl!! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say I don't have money.
IF is the same guy who ask you every time tell him that you don't have money for him because last time that he ask to borrow, he never paid you back
2007-01-28 12:26:29 · answer #6 · answered by A37 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say, "I'm sorry, I'm not able to lend you that." You are not obligated to offer any explanations, don't make up any lies (Oh, I'm broke right now, I have to grandma a birthday present, etc.) Just a simple, polite, and firm no will suffice. If they persist, they are being rude (they are being rude asking in the first place). It's your money that you work hard for, and you don't need to be his bank or his doormat.
2007-01-28 10:06:23 · answer #7 · answered by dancin thru life 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, I can't help you out anymore. You can judge if you want to add that you would like to see some return on what he has already borrowed. You may lose his friendship, but I'm not sure how good a friend he has been to you.
2007-01-28 10:09:56 · answer #8 · answered by DrB 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just say, "You know, your track record with paying me back is really not good. You already owe me $x that I'm still waiting to be repaid. I'd rather not lend you any more money because it is beginning to stress our relationship."
2007-01-28 10:46:34 · answer #9 · answered by amazingly intelligent 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. "There is an old saying that to keep a friend, never borrow or lend money."
2007-01-28 11:54:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋