What do you think about loaning family money or helping them financially?

I have been on both sides of this question, having borrowed some money when my car broke down, and years later, helping my mom keep her house I loaned her money. In both instances there is a chance that questions will arise about repayment, whether it is a gift, etc. I believe that money should only be loaned if you are willing to lose that money in the final analysis! For to be able to give it makes it easier than to always wait for the repayment! If circumstances came into play, and the money couldn't be payed back then bad blood becomes involved leading to stress and hatred! So, give it if you want to but only as a gift, not a loan; but on their side, they make that option, and then it's up to you to accept whether it's a gift or loan! Either way, the exchange can be hazardous to someone!

I think that family should do all they can to help but I also think that one should evaluate the situation. Are they the type of people to pay you back? If not, how much are you willing to lend them if any at all? Would you try to get them financial assistance from the government or from a church? Could they pay you back by doing chores or babysitting while you and your s.o (whether it be husband, bf, fiance) go out? Those are some of the questions I'd suggest someone ask themselves before they loan money to families. That's the kind of things you could stop talking to a family member over. Well Great discussion!

This is something i wouldhave no problem with at all. I believe in helping people to excel. I am from a family who assist each other. In the case of loaning money it is always important to have a signed agreement inspite of who the borrower is. Not only would that help to foster the habit of honoring ones debts but it would also add an element of legality. Sometimes that is best when dealing with family and friends. I never like the idea of relatives who are well off and another set who are struggling. I strongly believe that once the person has the ambition and drive to succeed then help should be given. I would do the same for someone who is not a relative. All I need is to be convinved they will make use of the money spent and I hope inturn they will assist someone else. There is a limit. That limit for me is when the assistance seems to be going to waste.

Don't loan anything that you can't afford to lose. We have loaned money to members of my family and his, gotten more of it back than not. But certain people just don't have the means and when they ask for anything (which isn't too often), I just consider it a gift and expect not to see it back. If you do want to get paid back, get it in writing. Everybody has different limits, but it just depends on why they need the money, how much, etc. So far it hasn't caused any problems in my family other than annoyance. lol

I come from a very small family, both of my parents were only children, therefore all the family that I have is my husband and children. My kids are pretty good, they don´t ask for money, but there are times when I know that they need it. When one of these times happen, I just give them money I don´t lend it to them.

We have helped family members out before. Both side mine and my hubby. But i feel you do have to draw the line some where when it comes to those that take advantage of your help by not repaying loans. Just looking for hand out. The more we lent the more they wanted on his side of the family. We would let them live with us give them food. But we wont lend money any more. You would have to know my hubby side of his family to understand this more. I feel they are just users. When we need help none of them would help us. Sad thing is we all ways helped them.

loaning money is such a normal thing to do, specially if your in USA. So many people does it. specially when someone wants to go to college because most of them, they couldn't afford it. About helping to your family, there is no limitation about helping them, help them as possible as you can.

it depends on the person and if they have a job or are looking for work. if they do not have a job i dont lend them any as they have no way of paying you back. Also if its your problem then help if not then dont and yes you should put a limit on it or they will always come back to you asking for money. limit this as there are otherways to help not just with money.