Usually it's a pretty bad idea to borrow money from family or friends, or lend money, for that matter. It's just better not to even start that kind of a situation up. It's not worth the fight.

Give money if you have it.  Expect not much more than its grateful acknowledgement.  That can pay dividends down the road.  And say 'no' when it feels right.  Works for my family- but it requires thick skin and self-confidence.  . .I've been on both sides of this.

Risky proposition. First, it starts with deception, as in "I need to borrow...", when what was really meant was, "I want you to give me...and we'll see how it plays out." The later would be the more honest of the two. Second, everyone wants to be "the pleaser", so when they're asked...the potential receiver would be pleased if their request was honored. That's  deception #2. The potential pleaser is no more than a target to the potential pleasee (new word?) and should, at least, take the stone out of their shoe and offer it as collateral. If the wish is fulfilled...all of those hugs and pats on the back make the pleaser feel like the Greatest Person on the Face of the Earth, but when they ask for the money back, they are made to feel like the Biggest Schmuck on the Face of the Earth, which they are for believing that this was a loan, in the first place. Not always the case, as I can attest, but quite often is the case, to which I can also attest...especially when that call is from someone you haven't seen or heard from in quite a while. There are warning signs. The call will start out something like this:

"Bob! How are you? It's Rick!" (Before you get a chance to answer that question, you will hear), "Listen, I need to talk to you..."

Round numbers should raise flags, like $50.00, $500.00, or $5000.00. Yah? And what are they going to do with the extra $5.00, $80.00, or $1200.00? If you have it and you want them out of your life, just give it to them and never ask for it back. They'll never bother you again.

Another Public Service Announcement from someone who wishes that someone had told this to me...

My brother in-law, Tommy Tutone (yes, the whole band)keeps wanting change. I tell them that they can mow the lawn, and then have the opportunity to look through the coach cushions for loose change.

i would rather not borrow money from anyone. I also would rather not lend them a large amount of money. if I could not pay it back, I would feel horrible, or always feel in debt to them until I could pay them back. If i had the kind of money where I could afford to loan a large amount, I would be reluctant unless it were a dire emergency. It would be negative if they could not ever pay me back. I would have to be able to say hey that's okay keep the money. it would depends on the circumstances. i guess if they were usually responsible and came upon hard times it would be easier to loan money. not good for someone who is always screwing up and i am just another bail out for their messing up.

It is positive because it shows that you can really trust that person if they lend it to you, plus it will temporarily help you out. But in the end, it is not good owing money especially if you for some reason couldnt pay it back.

Wanna lose a friend? Then lend them some money. Suffice it to say, I'd only recommend doing so in a genuine emergency. Should you decide to do so, look at it as "I am giving them this money." That way, should you actually get it back, it'll seem like a bonus, yet if you don't, you're at least ready to accept the responsibility of your decision.

I don't know what's worse. Owing money that you can't pay or being owed money that you can't collect.

For small loans if you can just give your friend or family the money, write it off and hope they return the favor somehow later. For significant loans...dont do it, it will come back to haunt you most of the time.

Could go either way but my gut tells me it's a bad idea. Why tempt fate?