9 Money Moves That Can Make or Break Friendships

Navigating finances with friends can be tricky. Sometimes, financial decisions like borrowing money, splitting bills, or handling joint expenses can create tension in even the strongest friendships. Here are nine common financial decisions that can strain friendships.

1. Lending Money

When friends lend each other money, it can create tension if repayment terms aren’t clear or if the borrower doesn’t follow through promptly. Misunderstandings about expectations and delays in repayment can break trust and lead to resentment.

2. Splitting Bills Unevenly

Splitting bills for shared expenses like dinners, vacations, or rent can cause friction if one person feels like they’re paying more than their fair share. Unequal contributions can lead to feelings of unfairness or financial strain for one party.

3. Co-Signing Loans

Co-signing a loan for a friend can have serious financial implications. If the friend defaults on payments or doesn’t manage the loan responsibly, it could negatively impact the co-signer’s credit score and financial stability. This can strain the friendship if the co-signer feels taken advantage of or betrayed.

4. Joint Business Ventures

Starting a business together with a friend can be exciting, but it can also be risky. Disagreements over financial decisions, responsibilities, or profits can spell disaster for the relationship. If the business doesn’t succeed as planned, it can also lead to financial losses and resentment.

5. Sharing Financial Advice

Offering unsolicited financial advice to a friend, especially if it’s perceived as judgmental or condescending, can strain the friendship. Money management is personal, and not everyone welcomes advice, even if it’s well-intentioned.

6. Borrowing Personal Items

Borrowing personal items like clothes, gadgets, or household items from a friend and not returning them in good condition can create growing tension in the relationship. Especially if the borrowed item is expensive or sentimental, its loss or damage can lead to loss of trust and hurt feelings.

7. Splitting Costs for Group Gifts

Pooling money for a group gift can be tricky if not everyone contributes equally or if there are disagreements about the budget or choice of gift. Resentment can arise if one person feels they contributed more than others or if there’s a perception of unfairness in the gift selection.

8. Not Honoring Financial Agreements

Not following through on financial agreements, such as paying back borrowed money or covering shared expenses as promised, can strain trust and lead to hurt feelings. Reliability and honesty are crucial in financial dealings with friends to maintain a healthy relationship.

9. Competing Financial Situations

When friends are in different financial situations, jealousy or discomfort can arise. For example, if one friend constantly talks about expensive purchases or vacations while another is struggling financially, it can create resentment and feelings of inadequacy.

Proceed With Caution

Navigating finances with friends requires open communication, mutual respect, and clear boundaries. Understanding how financial decisions can impact friendships is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. Money is a sensitive topic, but with empathy and consideration, friendships can thrive even through financial challenges.

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