Here's an idea: make her sign an agreement (as others have said) and ask for post-dated checks to pay you back in installments. That way, it doesn't hit her all at once, and you have something to give you an extra level of security. If even one of the checks bounces, you can call her on it and seek repayment for the balance.
if the check bounces, he's out another $35. how can he expect someone to pay who doesn't have any money in the bank? people make poor financial choices and then wonder why they can never get ahead. if you can't lend money without signing an agreement, you're no longer dealing with a friend. it's business. if you don't mind losing $3000 on a transaction, then by all means give it away.
If she's that busted and can't afford health care, why can't she just apply for Medicare? Teach a man to fish.
If it is truly a medical emergency then I say do it, but if its something cosmetic like boobs or something silly then I'll laugh in your face if you do it. Also, I had a deviated septum, couldn't breathe and needed surgery. I only had major medical insurance so my deductible was 5k. The surgery cost about 11k. I had the surgery and then the hospital put me on a payment play for the 5k, so I paid it off over the course of 3 years after my surgery. I'm sure she could do something like this.
I would never lend someone money that I would consider taking them to court over if I didn't get repaid. I've lent up to $1,000 to various friends and family, and have always been paid back (though sometimes much later than promised).
You mentioned Judge Judy. I always like her advice. If you have the money to lend/give and you want to help them out, then give them the money, tell them it is a gift. If they ever want to pay it back, that is fine, but never ask you for money again.
My policy on lending money is simple: Regardless of who it is, I don't lend money to them unless I am willing to say goodbye to the money completely. When I lend a friend some money, I basically consider it a gift, and if they pay me back then that's just good fortune. If I can't give away $3,000, I don't loan $3,000. It works very well and keeps me out of trouble.
/\ agree, give it or don't, but don't loan it. You will lose your money and your friend. The constant pressure and guilt of her debt will poison you friendship.
Well, I wrote her a check today. It is a lot of money just to "not expect it back". But I think I feel better about it then if I said no.
I loaned 3k to a friend about 6 years ago, he paid back about 1k of it, then disappeared, and I expect to never see that money again. I knew that going in though. DD
I have no problem with lending money to friends who need it. If you're doing well enough that a $3,000 loan is doable, and a close friend needs it then why not. Everyone saying money ruins friendships is right. If you don't loan her the money she will see that guilt you're feeling when you're around her, feel embarrassed for asking you, and not want to see you until you stop feeling guilty about it.
