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1. Recognize When “Help” Becomes a Habit
You know that friend who always says, “I’ll pay you back next week”? Yeah… that week never comes.
At first, it feels nice to help because you’re generous and want to be supportive.
But suddenly, you’re the “bank of you,” and that’s not the kind of financial institution you signed up to run.
When someone turns your kindness into a habit, you’re basically funding their lifestyle. Interest-free.
And the worst part? They’ll keep asking until you finally start saying no.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Track every dollar you lend using the Rocket Money app so you can see patterns before “help” becomes your full-time job.
📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌
2. Keep Your Finances Private
Ever notice how people suddenly “need” something right after you share good money news?
You mention your raise or tax refund, and boom. someone’s car “breaks down.” Coincidence? Maybe. Probably not.
The truth is, the less people know about your money, the less they’ll ask for it.
You don’t owe anyone your financial details, no matter how close they are.
Keep your money moves quiet, like a secret recipe. You can share the results, not the ingredients.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Stop talking about raises or bonuses, and use budgeting tools like Rocket Money to quietly track your progress without broadcasting it.
3. Have a Clear Answer Ready to Say “No”
You don’t need to write a speech to say no. You just need one honest sentence.
Something like, “I’m focused on my own financial goals right now,” works every single time.
The more you prepare your response, the less awkward it feels when the moment comes.
Remember, hesitation invites negotiation. Confidence ends the conversation.
And no, you’re not rude for saying no; you’re just done being an unpaid ATM.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Write down one polite sentence to say when someone asks for money, and practice it in front of a mirror so it rolls off naturally when needed.
Bonus Tip: Separate Your Savings From Your Checking Account
One reason friends keep asking you for money is because, well, they see you always have it.
When your checking and savings live in the same account, it looks like you’re swimming in cash even if most of it’s already spoken for.
And let’s be honest, it’s harder to say “I can’t” when your balance is flashing that juicy number right in front of you.
By separating your savings, you make your money less visible and less available. to others and to yourself.
That’s why smart savers use Betterment Cash Reserve. It’s a separate high-yield account that quietly grows your savings while keeping it far from your day-to-day spending (and those friendly “Can you spot me?” texts).
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Open a Betterment Cash Reserve account and automate small transfers from your checking every payday so you can keep your savings out of sight, out of reach, and out of everyone’s requests.
4. Offer Advice Instead of Cash
If someone’s always short on cash, giving more money isn’t helping. It’s enabling.
Offer wisdom instead of dollars; show them how to fix the problem, not patch it.
You can suggest simple tools like Undebt.it to help them make a plan and actually stick to it.
It’s like teaching them to fish instead of handing out another meal.
Plus, helping them learn makes you the friend they respect, not the friend they use.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Share Undebt.it with them and show how to build a debt snowball plan together. No money needed, just a few clicks.
5. Don’t Even Lend What You Can’t Afford to Lose
Let’s be real. Once money leaves your hand, it’s probably gone for good.
So if losing that cash would hurt your budget or your peace, don’t lend it.
Friends don’t come with refund policies, and chasing payments ruins relationships faster than bad Wi-Fi.
Think of lending money as giving it away; if that idea makes you cringe, don’t do it.
Protect your wallet, and you’ll protect your friendships too.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set a personal “no-lend” rule. If you wouldn’t give it as a gift, don’t hand it over, period.
📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌
And that’s it!
Never forget it…
🍔 A Bigger Bank Account Is Waiting For You!
😉 Dale!
