A friend in need - what to do if someone you know is in debt

Don’t let your friend suffer in silence any longer.

You’ve known for a while now that someone you care about is going through a rough patch with money. Their face is constantly tight with worry and there’s a stack of bills on their side table. You can’t have a five-minute conversation without their phone ringing, and every time it does they let out a world-weary sigh.

There could be a whole host of reasons why they’re struggling, some you may not even be aware of. Maybe they recently had their hours cut at work, or their partner walked out. It may even be a case of too much retail therapy. You want to help but don’t know how.

That’s where we come in.

Penny for your thoughts?

Saying “I’m in debt and I don’t know what to do” out loud, even to someone you trust, can be terrifying. Look at your friend and the loved ones surrounding them –who is it they’re most likely to open up to?

Talk to a mutual friend or family member in confidence – make them promise to discuss nothing with the person in debt until you’ve figured out a plan of action together. You may find that this other friend has noticed the same things you have.

Safety in numbers

Your friend needs to know they’re not alone. Visit the Debt-Free Wannabe section of the MoneySavingExpert.com forums. There you’ll see plenty of people who need support in paying off their debts. You’ll be amazed how indiscriminant debt can be. Invite your friend to read some of the stories on there.

Recommend a friend

If you want to gauge your friend’s reaction to getting debt advice you can make up a story about someone else you know having debt problems. Telling your friend that “Deborah from work was really struggling but got in touch with StepChange Debt Charity and now she’s much happier”, it might just encourage them to get in touch.

Never a borrower nor a lender be…

We don’t doubt that you want to help your friend, and chances are you’ve probably lent them the odd tenner every now and again. Resist the urge to lend any huge sums. Many clients who get in touch with us have gotten into debt because they sacrificed their own income in order to help someone they care about.

Turn on the TV and sooner or later you’ll be accosted by adverts encouraging you to be a guarantor on a friend’s loan. It seems simple, but few things tear friendships and families apart like money. If your friend is struggling now, chances are they’ll struggle to pay you back on time each month as well.

If your loved one asks you to be a guarantor on a loan for them kindly but firmly tell them no. Explain that you don’t want money or debt to ruin the bond you have with them, and you have enough responsibilities of your own to deal with. This would be the perfect opportunity to suggest they get some free and confidential debt advice.

You’ve got a friend

Ultimately, your friend is the one who decides when they’re ready to take control of their debt. By being there for them, listening to them and showing them ways to save money, you’re helping them more than you know.

They can find the best solution for their debts by using our confidential Debt Remedy online debt tool.

Is someone you care about struggling at the moment? Tweet us for advice at MoneyAware.