Keeping Your Money

By Katie Deem
Picture it: It’s Thursday, the day before you get paid. Money is tight. It has been for two weeks. You’re barely able to pay the water bill, let alone your cell phone bill or credit cards. The phone rings, and he, the bane of your existence, needs to borrow twenty dollars again. What’s a girl to do? You’re young; you’re hip, independent and fearless, but this situation always seems to trip you up.

You have options here, though you may not feel it. If you can first keep a cap on your temper and not go off, you can graciously ask him where his own paycheck has gone. If he has no job, ask why he can’t get off his dead butt and find employment. Most likely he will offer some ridiculous excuse about how he let his “boy” or his “bud” borrow twenty bucks to take out his “woman.” You, being the intelligent woman that you are, know this is bull.

Your first task is to figure out why he needs it. You may have to break out some fancy moves and maneuver the truth out of him. Ask penetrating questions. Be polite, but firm. The hope in this inquisition is that you can force him to admit he doesn’t really need the money.

Remember, he believes you’re a pushover. You’re so generous to him, he’s nicknamed you Money Bags. That’s why he called you in the first place. His mom’s refused. His sister isn’t even an option anymore. His brother’s in another state. You are his best friend, and unfortunately, you answered his phone call.

Let’s get back to your options. You can tell him the truth if you so wish. He may be unrelenting in his quest to bum money, depending upon how much he really needs it. You can tell him you have no money. You may choose to leave out the fact that you get paid tomorrow, but this is at your discretion. You may feel guilty after you refuse him. But consider that you may have taught him a lesson about your financial situation. He needs to know you’re on a budget. Besides, it’s your money because you earned it, and no one else gets to lay their grubby hands on it.

You also have the option of giving him the money. He may or may not spend it the way he has sworn he would, but at least he’ll be out of your hair. Even though you’re strapped for cash, you have given to the needy, and there is some satisfaction in that. You’ve been there for your friend when he was in need. You may, however, begin to regret this decision given the fact that you need money yourself. But remember that you get paid tomorrow, and you can always stop by BioLife to sell some plasma.

If you keep your money, know that you have fulfilled the independent woman’s obligation to take care of herself. Feel secure in that. You can’t take care of anyone else unless your needs are met first. If you do offer him the money, set up a repayment plan. Draft a contract if larger amounts of money are involved. Make sure he understands you need the money back. Most importantly, take pride in your generosity, Money Bags, and don’t regret it later. Whatever you give out comes back to you.