lend her whatever amount you feel won't make you lose sleep at night if you are never repaid. maybe just say here's $300 and it's all i can do. if she scoffs at it, then she really doesn't understand and is looking out for only herself. i wouldn't lend money to someone who puts themselves in such a dire financial situation.
You should probably take a couple other things into account. Like how much does she make, what are her current expenses, if she as able and willing to cut her expenses for a while to pay you back etc etc.
I have. There's a chance she will pay me back but it's 50/50. The problem is that she's a good friend in need. Like I said, I wouldn't think twice about not lending money if she was just a casual friend. The problem is, I would lose sleep if I did lend her the money. But I would also lose sleep if I didn't either. I guess I would rather lose sleep over knowing she'll be OK so I'm going to do it.
this is my favorite blog. i think you should read it. http://livingstingy.blogspot.com/2011/03/middle-class-poverty-friend.html
If losing that $3000 doesn't hurt you too much, fiscally speaking, then I would probably do it too. Medical issues are no joke.
Consult The TAO of SERENITY: "Shepherd Book once said to me, "If you can't do something smart, do something right." - Jayne Cobb Rocket River
As a matter of policy I'd probably only lend that much money to the people in my circle of trust which is like 2 friends and my nuclear family. Other close but not-as-close friends, nuh uh. Even then I'd look at it as a donation rather than a loan.
You don't have to lend her the full $3000 you know... If you feel like you can't afford to lend her the $3000, just help her out however you can and hope that she can find the rest of the money elsewhere.
If she doesn't pay you back, would you still consider her a friend? If you say yes, and then a month from now you see her with a new Coach purse... how would you feel then?
Signing any agreement with her doesn't mean anything unless you are determined to take her to court if she neglects to pay. If you can afford to never see that money again AND it is important to you and your friend, then do it. If you can't, then don't.
