# Should You Give Money to a Friend? Settling the Reddit debate: Is it right to lend money to a friend? - **Source:** [NerdWallet](https://brifing.si/source/47fee75b-2b5e-493d-9ac3-f012b6c37891) - **Published:** 2026-07-21 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6620c44b-8be9-4114-8ced-e7e7f9e7e252 ## Lending Money to a Friend is a Tough Decision A Reddit user shared their dilemma when a friend, who was between jobs, asked to borrow $5,000. Despite saying 'no,' the user felt guilty due to the friend's continued poor financial decisions. This situation highlights how lending money can strain friendships. ## What Professionals Say Financial experts often warn that lending money to friends can damage relationships and that the money is unlikely to be repaid. Professionals like Angie Welsh advise only giving money if you genuinely want to, without feeling pressured. ## Consider the Friendship The closer the friendship, the harder the decision becomes. Patrick Yono emphasizes that lending money can add pressure to the relationship and suggests ensuring the friendship can withstand such strain. ## Ask for Details When someone asks for money, don’t hesitate to ask why they need it. Is it a temporary or long-term financial issue? Knowing the details can help you gauge whether they might ask again in the future. ## Avoid Red Flags Be cautious if the money might be used for gambling or other harmful habits. Such situations indicate deeper issues and could risk your own financial stability. ## Alternative Ways to Help If lending money doesn’t feel right, consider other forms of support. For example, treating them to a meal to discuss their challenges or assisting them in finding a job. The ultimate goal should be helping your friend regain financial stability. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/news/asked-on-reddit-give-friend-money — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._