[Claudia]

I am never loaning my sister money ever, ever again. She came to me several years ago and wanted to borrow $2000 because her husband had stolen things at his work and if they paid back the money, they wouldn't prosecute him. So I, fool that I was, loaned them money 9 years ago. Every time I ask if they can start paying payments back or if they could give me a bit on it, they say they can't afford to. They are never getting another red cent from me. Sheesh!

[FancyPants]

I have a golden rule of money lending. I never ever loan money to friends or family because it will always become a source of contention.

[HippieChick]

I don't lend money at all. I have had a bad experience and it soured me on the whole idea. Lending to family can only lead to fighting.

[jason]

Never lend money you cannot afford to loose to family or friends. I never expect to get money I "loan" to a friend or family. But anything over $100 that is not paid back, they do not get a loan again, unless the situation is dire.

[wreckedmess]

I do not deal with loans for people anymore, too many burns from the past. This is one of the reasons we see so many people in small claims courts too, loan someone money once shame on them, loan it twice, shame on you.

[craftykris]

You should not loan money to family unless you expect to not get it back. It's just the way it is. You don't want to create drama in your family - so its best to not loan money!

[wreckedmess]

Was there any reason you did not do a promissory note? I know its after the fact but it seems like most people get tripped up over this more than anything when it comes to family/friend loans.

[ash]

I had to learn my lesson the hard way, instead of a sibling it was a cousin. Mine was a good bit of money and it was never repaid, in the end he said he never even borrowed the money. Needless to say live and learn.

[manny]

I ended up loaning a friend money once years ago and I never saw the money, within a few months the friend quit his job (where we meet and had worked for years) and disappeared. No idea what happened to him either, never again.

[Brianiac]

That's a shame that your own sister did you like this. I agree with everyone else. If you loan money to family and friends, don't expect to get it back. If you don't have it to loan, don't loan or "give" it. I learned this lesson long ago.