Lending is a bad idea, if you want to help someone out and you can afford it by all means give them the money... but expecting (or worse, needing) it back will end in tears.

If they end up doing better and decide to pay you back, that's fine. You might also hope if the shoe is ever on the other foot, they'll help you out. But an actual "loan"? No... that's how you end up on Judge Judy.

I agree but some people are very funny when it comes to money. Even people you’d consider close friends.

I get people being tight about larger/more substantial amounts of money but if someone needed a fiver/tenner I’d dash it to them whoever they were. I don’t get why even that’s such an issue for some people.

Yeah I was thinking the same, if it's a small amount then it's not that big a deal.

I remember when I was a little kid £1 or £2 seemed like a lot to give away,but that's because it was part of pocket money. Obviously now a few quid doesn't seem like much.

if a family member needs help then I would always be there for them. If you can afford to lend it, you can afford to not expect it back which is where arguments stem from

Never loan money to friends or family with the expectation of it being a loan. I’d say only ever give money you can afford to part with, and give it to them as a gift with no expectation of being paid back. If they WANT to pay it back and do end up paying you back, accept the money back graciously.

Loaning money to family and friends with an expectation of it being repaid is asking for trouble.

:joker: this is a resurrected thread and I said the exact same thing last year. At least I’m consistent I guess!

Nope, not doing it. This created a lot of nasty issues in my family in the past (some cousins still having feuds with aunts, parents or grand parents even) so I won't do this for anybody.
Sounds selfish I know but money is problems and I'm not getting into family feuds or worries.
I love them a lot, we even discussed this and we're all OK with that.