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Before you lend

What should I consider before lending money?

Consider whether you can manage without the money, and what a delay would do to the relationship.

5 min readPractical guideUpdated 2026-06-15

The short answer

Only lend an amount you could manage without, and agree the terms in writing before the money moves.

The short answer

Only lend an amount you could manage without, and agree the terms in writing before the money moves.

Before you say yes

  1. 1Check your own buffer. Would losing this amount cause you a problem?
  2. 2Ask what the money is for and how it will be repaid.
  3. 3Agree the dates and instalments, not just the total.
  4. 4Agree what you both do if a payment is going to be late.
  5. 5Write it down so neither of you has to rely on memory.

It is fine to say no

A clear no today usually costs the relationship less than a loan that quietly becomes a source of resentment.

Key takeaway

Lend what you can afford to be without for longer than agreed.

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