If you care about your relationships, you will try to avoid borrowing money completely. Even if you are able to pay back the money you owe in full and on time, it still can change the nature of your relationship forever. That being said, asking for money from someone you care about is often the surest refuge out of a difficult financial fix. If you must borrow money from family or friends, do it as the very last resort and only for temporary financial shortfalls. Here are some basic guidelines to help you borrow money from friends or relatives safely without ruining your relationships:
1. Be honest about your financial situation
Personal finance is a topic that most of us would rather not discuss. But, if you are asking for financial help, it is necessary to show some level of humility and a willingness to be honest about your financial condition. This is necessary because your lenders will want to know how you will use money they give you. Don’t paint an eternally rosy picture of your financial condition when it is not all that rosy. Explain all the risks involved honestly so your friend fully understands what she is getting into from the outset. Being transparent will also create room for her to be honest too and give you genuine advice.
2. Borrow only for essential stuff
Never borrow money to obtain non-essential things like a new smartphone or to invest in volatile markets like the stocks. Borrowing money to obtain unnecessary stuff is not prudent at all. Your brother-in-law will also not be amused if you ask a significant sum from him and blow it all in a single event, such as a party. Ask for a loan from relatives to address real emergencies, such as hospitalizations. If you must borrow to invest, invest in solid things that appreciate steadily like an education or a house. Just be prudent about how you use your loan and make sure your friend or family member invests a comfortable amount, in case things go sour.
3. Put it on paper
Treat loans from family members and close friends just like you would treat any other loan. Put your loan on paper and document the loan terms, principal, interest rate, and repayment frequency. This helps to minimize risk of a misunderstanding in the future and ensures your friend is clear on when to expect repayments and when the loan should be fully settled. Also, record any provisions for repayment extensions or reliefs in case you are unable to repay your loan as agreed upon. Of course, you can do away with this formality especially where the loan is only a small amount. But, it’s recommended you insist on documenting the loan just to be on the safe side.
4. Pay up on time
This goes without saying. Once you agree on the loan repayment terms, be professional and stick to them. Pay your loan on time without making excuses. Remember that a personal relationship you turned into a business relationship is at stake here and not just another random relationship. If your financial situation improves before the loan repayment period lapses, pay off the loan early. This will be a pleasant surprise to your friend or family member and may help you win back some of the “points” you lost by taking the loan in the first place.
5. Maintain communication
If you are struggling with your repayments, don’t run or start hiding from your lender. Hiding gives a bad impression that you don’t intend to repay the money you owe. Maintain communication throughout the life of the loan and be honest and sincere about your situation. Being honest might take away more “points” from you, but it at least allows you to keep some of your honor. Resist the urge to get agitated when your friend or relative starts to nag or hound you to pay up. Put yourself in his shoes and imagine how you would feel if you were the one on the other side. You would likely also remind him constantly to pay up. Take it in stride and pay some amount back even if it is only a fraction of what you owe to demonstrate sincerity and ease the tension.
6. Return the favor
Life has a way of turning things on their heads. In time, you may find the friend or relative who helped you out of your financial fix is in need of help themselves. Return the favor extended to you by offering yourself and your resources to help them out. Do this even if you repaid your debt with interest or had incidents when your relationship was strained by the loan. Showing this kindness to others is a mark of maturity and reflects well the favor paid to you—and it was a favor!
