Lending to Family Members Changes the Relationship

C. V. White Quote: (When you need something from someone you do not get to set the terms, or the conditions of the agreement.)

Lending to Family Members Changes the Relationship

One sure way to strain the relationship of a family member is to loan them some money and they may or may not be able to pay it back.  That lender/borrower is a business relationship not a family relationship.  As a result, when the borrower is expecting to be treated like a trusted family member, especially if there is a delay in repayment of the loan, they are often told this is business not a family matter or a friend matter, I want my money.  That is what puts the strain on the relationship; the loved and trusted family member or friend has now become a bill collector.  If you have never had a bill collector call you then you may not know what that is like. However, having to become a bill collector with family and friends should be avoided if possible.  The best way to handle it is to have guidelines that both parties agree to and understand so that the agreement will not be misunderstood by either party of what the responsibilities and expectations are to bring the original transaction to the expected end. Perhaps you should consider sowing a gift into their life if they have not proven to a  bad stewards of what comes into their hands. If you can and are willing that keeps the relationship clear and precise.