| If you're a nice person, you probably find it hard | | | | on change" freeloader asks you for $10, say you |
| to say no when someone asks you for money. | | | | don't have any to spare. |
| After all, being nice means giving to those in need, | | | | Now suppose you have a business and friends or |
| right? But too much can be a bad thing, and very | | | | family ask for special treatment "just because" |
| often, helping others too much is a very bad | | | | they are friends or family? You have to draw the |
| thing. People are apt to take advantage of | | | | line here. There is nothing wrong with giving |
| generosity whenever and wherever they find it. | | | | freebies to relatives and buddies. Besides, it'd help |
| If there's one thing in the world a nice person | | | | you too if they spread the word about how good |
| should know, it's this: Don't be too generous. That | | | | your services/products are. But if your so-called |
| goes for your time, your trust and especially your | | | | friends and family don't know when to stop, tell |
| money. Stick to this golden rule and you avoid | | | | them, as nicely as you can: "Business is business." |
| getting into a financial shipwreck over someone | | | | Money Saving Tip #3: Don't Be Shy About Saving |
| else's iceberg. | | | | There are people who deliberately squander |
| Now here are some tips to help you dodge those | | | | money just to prove that they can. They do this |
| freeloading bullets. | | | | in an attempt to impress other people. Why live |
| Money Saving Tip #1: Avoid the "Group" Trap | | | | for other people's opinions? Go the other way. |
| Some folks are only too happy to spend your | | | | Save what you can no matter what others think. |
| money for you, or at least tell you how to spend | | | | When bad times come, you will be glad you did. |
| it. Here's a scenario: | | | | One great way to save money is to a use a |
| Someone in your circle of friends is going abroad. | | | | savings card. A discount card is a card you use to |
| One clever person in your group (no doubt, the | | | | get discounts and gifts from business |
| one who likes to take center stage and poke | | | | establishments that honor that discount card. |
| their nose at everything) comes up with a "group | | | | Discount cards can be for a specific product or |
| gift" idea as a going-away present for him. It's too | | | | service, or for many. |
| expensive for you and you know it. But they | | | | Bottom line: Save your money, period. |
| have all agreed on it and they expect you to chip | | | | More Money Saving Tips #4: Learn to Say "No" |
| in your equal share. Never mind if your cat just | | | | Sometimes you just have to say "No." Saying the |
| spent a week in the veterinary clinic or the | | | | negative immediately closes the door to further |
| hurricane just tore off your garage roof. | | | | discussion. It may hurt, and you may lose a close |
| What do you do? You may be reluctant to say | | | | family or friend who can't forgive you for turning |
| no because it's not "good" to say no or you feel | | | | them down. But if you keep helping everyone, |
| embarrassed. But to agree would be to fall into a | | | | where does it end? |
| financial trap. Instead, just say, "Oh, that's nice but | | | | If your nephew has a brilliant new business plan |
| I already have a gift for him." Don't be squeamish | | | | and you don't have the money to help him get |
| about it. This is your money. No one has the right | | | | started, you'll have to muster the courage to say, |
| to tell you how to spend it. | | | | "No, I can't." Even if you have the money, but |
| Bottom line: Avoid getting into a group thing if | | | | you need to save it for other things, again, you |
| you're not sure how much it will cost you. | | | | have every right to refuse. |
| Money Saving Tip #2: Escape the Freeloading | | | | You can also go the middle way and give some |
| Tacticians | | | | money but not as much as they would want. |
| You've seen them, the freeloading pirates. They | | | | Note though: Don't expect your money to come |
| are always looking for a free ride, a free meal | | | | back. Give it as a gift (but don't tell them that) |
| and whatnot. Say yes to them once and it will | | | | and assume you will never be paid. If you do get |
| never end. Don't be mince words with them. You | | | | paid, good. If not, well, at least they won't ask |
| can still be nice but put your foot down and let | | | | you for another loan, right? |
| them know your limits. Next time a habitual "short | | | | Bottom line: Say "No. |