Friends and Finances: Are Your Pals too Close to Your Pockets?

Like marriages, many friendships have met their demise over money.  There’s nothing like an unpaid debt or a business venture gone sideways to make you forget all of the time and emotion you’ve invested into a friendship. It’s usually best to avoid allowing your pockets and your pals to become too close, but inevitably there will come a situation where money may have you and your friends acting funny.  In order to save your hard-earned cash and avoid any hurt feelings, try following these simple rules:

1.  Never lend money you can’t afford to lose.

I’m the kind of friend who will lend a friend a few dollars if I have it to spare.  But never keep your bills balanced on the good word of a friend.  Even friends with the best of intentions may experience unexpected setbacks that could leave you in a panic and your bills are past due.  Make sure you have enough to keep yourself covered in case, for whatever reason, your friend’s promises fall through.