Friendly Loans Loaning money to a friend is a personal choice. Jean Chatzky, financial reporter for the Today show and editor at Money magazine, has some advice on exactly what to say. You have two choices. First, you can ask to be repaid and explain why you need the money - mortgage, tuition, taxes are all good reasons. Or you can kiss that money goodbye and value the relationship more - but explain that the bank is now closed.
Table Talk Splitting a dinner bill can seem like splitting hairs.
Jean recommends that people take turns. You get it this time, someone else ponies up the next. Wedding gifts can throw your budget for a curve, too, especially if a lot of your friends are jumping the broom at the same time. At times like that, Jean recommends chipping in with friends, spending less but adding a personal touch, even delaying the purchase for a while. Oh, and by the way, cash is appropriate, but only when given to those younger than you.