Perhaps a Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed

Looking back at 2013, I learned early on in my quest to be financially responsible that the needs and desires of others would come into play during the course of my journey. Just two days in to the New Year and I had been approached for financial assistance/support from a friend. Hopefully, what I am sharing may resonate with some of you. While I am on my personal journey to right my ship, others on the outside may see circumstances differently and call upon you, as I was, for some help. In the words of Judge Judy:

"Don't cosign,ever."

But, if someone looks at you as responsible to lend a hand, consider that an ego boost for your own goals. Sit and brainstorm with the person about the help they are looking for and if it comes down to monetary help consider 1) if this is a situation where this is clearly intended to be a gift 2) if this is a situation where you are fairly confident you will get paid back (I'll talk about the method in a future post) and 3) ask yourself what this person has done for you in the past that makes him/her confident to ask you for help now. Number 3 is what sold me on helping my friend.

Thankfully, I can say nearly one year later that I am one month shy of being paid back in full (again I'll talk about the method in a future post.) Happy 2014!

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. This is the first in a series of entries I will be making on the subject of our financial lives after divorce. Most are excerpts from my book, "The Divorced Girl's Guide to Financial Stability: A Year In Review". During the first week of the New Year 2013 I vowed that I would not engage in any unnecessary, otherwise frivolous expenditures. By the end of 2013, "I need to be credit card debt free." It's December 27th. I can certainly say that I tried.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania May 2013



by Catharine H. Freeman