Jenna from New York faced a dilemma when a long-lost friend asked for $900 to cover a storage unit lien. Despite feeling guilty, financial experts advised Jenna to say no, cautioning against acting out of guilt to avoid self-sabotage. Borrowing from or lending to family and friends is common, but caution is advised.

The situation worsened when Jenna discovered her friend’s debt was double what she claimed, leading hosts of The Ramsey Show to advise against lending money to someone out of touch for years. Experts emphasize the importance of giving out of joy, not guilt, and treating assistance as a gift rather than a loan.

Enabling bad behavior can occur when one-off financial support becomes a habit. InCharge Debt Solutions recommends discussing how to handle emergencies in the future and suggests giving non-financial help if money isn’t feasible. Parents should prioritize their needs and goals over constantly supporting adult children financially.

Financial experts advise separating emotions from finances and communicating clearly when declining financial help. Offering non-financial support, like budget assistance or emotional help, is encouraged. Chronic rescuing can trap both parties, so it’s important to set boundaries and prioritize personal goals.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: New York woman losing sleep over whether to lend $900 to a friend in an emergency. The Ramsey Show gives her a ‘hard no’