Would you lend money to your family and friends?

I share your opinion. It's sad when the money issue becomes the destroyer of friendships. But then again, if our friends do value the friendship they wouldn't delay payment. They should try to repay when they are able to, or at least keep us informed. Many times after people borrow money from us they avoid us and it's hard to open our mouths to get it back.

You have just voiced my sentiments. When people want to borrow from us we should only lend if we know we can afford it otherwise we may end up having to borrow from others and I would like to avoid that as much as possible.

You know you are truly blessed to have friends and family like that. I have lent to a family member and although he reassured me I will get it back but I have not, and it's been more than 5 years. It's not so much the getting it back that bothers me but more that if he knew he can't or won't be able to return it then don't make promises. I am not rich myself and don't have much to spare so it hurts.

I sure wish everyone who borrows money has the same philosophy as you - if you borrow, make sure you pay it back too. After all, we don't charge interest, do we? lol.

I think it depends on who you are talking to. I think some people are naturally honourable and appreciate the fact that when you lend them money, you are actually putting yourself at an inconvenience and they do what they can to make sure you don't feel that inconvenience. Then there are those who take the idea that its OK to borrow money from you because you never ask for it. Then, you have to look at what you are expecting from the people you lend money to. Are you planning to make a profit? Or are you merely trying to help a good friend who is down on his or her luck? Lending money is act of social bonding as much as it is a financial transaction, and so we have to ask ourselves how the lending of money will affect our relationship with people. There are certain people I would gladly give money to. For example, if any of my parents approached me for a loan, I would lend was able to lend and not ask for money back. Why? As I was growing up, they were the people who brought me up and kept me alive. Being calculative with money when they are in need would be wrong. Likewise, if my siblings were in trouble, it would be an automatic reaction to dip into the wallet. As well as my closest family members, I have friends whom I would gladly give money to because I know they would do the same for me. In fact I can think of two friends who have actually bailed me out of awkward situations without asking for anything in return. Then I have a group of friends whom I help out with a loan, and they also help me out. The main members of this group are all self-employed and we all know that cash flow can be tight in certain situations. So, we extend a helping hand to each other once in a while. A case of I loan you cause when I ask for a loan, you'll be there for me. Then there are the basket cases, friends who do intend to pay you but somehow always get into so much trouble, they never do and keep asking for money so that you can bail them out. With these people, you extend a loan more as an act of keeping your conscious clear that you didn't allow them to die. But you have to be strict about getting your money back because you need to let them know that you cannot be an easy source of funds when they get into trouble - they need to have some responsibility when it comes to taking money from you.

Maybe it is because we ARE their family member or friend that's why they think we won't mind if they borrow and not return. I feel that they should at least just let us know what is happening with them and try to pay us when they are able.

I am glad that you have such a positive attitude. God bless you.

I would lend my family first before I lend my friends.

I respect your point of view. It's good to know that there are people who gives priority to their family and is discreet in your decision making. Have a nice day.