Settle the Reddit Debate: Should You Give a Friend Money?

You might be more inclined to help a friend who’s as close as a family member , but you want to ensure lending them money doesn’t hurt your friendship. Avoid certain red flagsYono cautions against lending money to someone who is likely to use it for gambling or other potential vices, because you might be fueling a deeper problem. For example, co-signing a loan for someone could put your own credit score at risk. A person who’s comfortable with you putting your own finances on the line may not be a true friend, Yono says. Look for other ways to helpIf lending money doesn’t feel right, you can give the friend a break instead.