How to Support a Friend in Financial Crisis

Money is one of the major stressors in everyone's life. No matter how much they have, people never think they have enough money. A friend in financial crisis could put your friendship in crisis if you don't handle the situation carefully.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Listen. The most important thing you can do for a friend in financial crisis, or really any other type of crisis, is listen. Let your friend talk through the details of the crisis, ideas for solving it or anything else she wants to talk about. Just being there to listen makes you a valuable friend.

2. Research assistance. One of the issues of financial crisis is the shame that goes along with it. You can help your friend avoid some of that by researching programs that may be available to help him recover. It can be very difficult to ask for help when your pride is wounded, but you could get the pertinent information and eliminate some of the stress for your friend.

3. Buy dinner. You have to be careful about how you handle this because people in financial trouble are often too proud for charity. However, you could ask your friend out for dinner as a means of helping her spend a relaxing evening not worrying about anything. If she protests due to financial concerns, let her know that her company is worth the cost of the meal.

4. Maintain your usual interactions. Remember, you were friends before this financial crisis came along, and while it may alter his attitude a bit, he's still your friend. Continue your normal activities and discussions. You'll just remind your friend of his troubles if you constantly ask how he's doing.

[writer7]

on 1/11/2009 I agree. Sometimes it helps to let a friend talk out their problems with a friend.

[Haoie]

on 1/10/2009 Just don't lend them money. It can only end badly.