Dear Queenie,
I have a friend who is always borrowing money from me, but never pays it back. It’s always a dollar for a snack or a drink or a few dollars for lunch or gas for her car or whatever, never very much, but it adds up to a lot of money over time.
Queenie, how can I collect my money and stop her from borrowing any more?—Going broke
Dear Going broke,
No one can take advantage of you unless you let them. When they try, just say no!
You may never be able to get back the money you have already lent her, but the next time this “friend” approaches you with a request for money, tell her you’re sorry, but you’re a little short of funds yourself because of all the money you have lent to her, and ask her if she could possibly pay back some of what she has borrowed.
Then present her with a list of the loans you have made her, if possible, or at least with the total amount she owes you, and ask her how soon she thinks she will be able to pay you back.
After that, whenever she approaches you for money ask her again (and again and again and again, if necessary) for repayment. You will soon see your money or, more likely, the last of this so-called friend.
