Article Tools/Herramientas de artículos
+ Larger Font/Fuente más grande | - Smaller Font/Fuente más pequeña

Choose a language:

Consumer News

Details: Written by 800 Loan Mart; Category: Consumer News; Published: 05 August 2023; Created: 05 August 2023; Last Updated: 05 August 2023

Lending Money to a Friend: Financial Options Guide

Congratulations! You've been recognized as the 'Generous Gordon' of your friend circle. You're the one your buddies run to when they're in a pickle, financially speaking. Let's face it, lending money to friends is a true testament of your friendship, but do you ever see that green paper coming back? It's like lending your favorite book to a friend - half the time it comes back with dog-eared pages, and the other half, it disappears into a black hole. And that's where our handy guide comes into play.

Promoting Financial Literacy: Because Forewarned is Forearmed

First things first, your friends' financial woes might be rooted in a lack of understanding of money management. This could be a great opportunity to introduce them to the concept of budgeting. A gentle nudge towards personal finance books, or a free online course could work wonders. Trust me, this is like teaching a man to fish. And who knows, they might just reel in a golden goose!

FAQs for Title Loans: The Lowdown on the Loan Town

Now, your friends might have already considered the path of title loans. These loans allow borrowers to use their vehicle title as collateral to secure a loan. However, these come with their own set of drawbacks, like high-interest rates and the potential loss of their vehicle if they default. So, make sure they know to review the frequently asked questions for title loans.

GoFundMe, Not GoFundYou

Next up on the roster is the digital savior, crowdfunding. If your friends are in a fix, so why not suggest setting up a crowdfunding campaign? It's like a community potluck, but instead of bringing over casseroles and cookies, everyone chips in some cash. Not only can it help cover the immediate financial needs, but it also makes sure that the friendship doesn't turn sour over some crumpled bills.

Cutting Costs: The Art of Frugality

Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned. If your friends are consistently strapped for cash, it might be time for a good old 'Marie Kondo-ing' of their expenses. You could play the role of a money-saving guru, guiding them to cut out unnecessary expenses. Do they really need that weekly avocado toast? Or that monthly subscription to 'Rare Cacti Monthly'? It's time for them to embrace minimalism.

Part-Time Jobs and Gigs: Adding Streams to the Financial River

If your friends are unable to meet their financial needs, it might be a sign they need a supplemental income. Encourage them to explore part-time jobs or freelancing gigs that align with their skills or hobbies. That way, they're not just filling their wallets but also spending time doing something they love.

The Joy of Barter

Finally, let's go old school. If your friend is in dire need and you're hesitant to let your hard-earned money vanish, propose a barter system. They can repay you through services or goods. Got a friend who's a whiz in the kitchen? There's your ticket to a month's worth of home-cooked meals!

Remember, friends and finances are like oil and water, they don't mix well. But that doesn't mean you leave your buddies hanging. These alternatives to loaning a friend money can make a world of difference. So, next time your friend asks for a loan, you know what to do. Save your money, and your friendship, and help your friends stand on their own two financial feet. After all, true friends don't let friends remain financially dependent.

More News From This Category

Electric Car News: Nine electric MPVs that prove you don't need an SUV

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:07:55 +0000

quite the career move – and the pressure of being the Chinese firm’s first full electric car. But it had the substance to match the looks too. Wind tunnel tests had proven an extremely low drag ...
Original Image Link
Source:www.topgear.com

Electric Car News: The real reason men are more likely to buy an electric car

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:07:55 +0000

High costs, poor public charging and manly marketing have skewed the electric car industry toward men, but women are encouraging their peers to go electric.
Original Image Link
Source:www.msn.com

Product Review: Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Oct. 16, #388

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:07:40 +0000

Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.

Photo By CNET

Product Review: Nest's New Smart Thermostat Adds Artist-Designed Seasonal Animations

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:07:40 +0000

In my reviews, I've been a major fan of the latest Nest smart learning thermostat, with a large dial that displays animations of outside weather, like a setting sun or falling snow. Now, the Nest fourth-generation thermostat has been upgraded, thanks to a partnership with artist Mathilde Loubes. The display now has 12 new animations.

Photo By CNET

Consumer News: Starbucks for less: tips to save on your favorite fall beverage

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:07:06 +0000

Same pumpkin vibesminus the markup

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs

October 16, 2025

PSL for less: get a Grande Caff Misto + 2 pumps pumpkinsame vibe, about $2.50 cheaper (use Stars to cover syrup).
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew hack: order Cold Brew + 1 pump pumpkin + splash of cream; ask for light icesame taste, ~$1.50 less and more coffee.
Drip coffee trick: ask for the next-size cup (e.g., Tall in a Grande)more room for cream and you often get a little extra coffee free.

Fall drinks are back at Starbucks and my wallet is already side-eyeing me. Heres how to keep the cozy without paying seven bucks every time. Were talking simple swaps that barista wont blink at.

Things like fewer pumps, brewed coffee instead of espresso, light ice so you actually get more coffee, and using a few Stars to cover the syrup cost. Try one of these money savers on your next run.

Order a discount Pumpkin Spice Latte

The next time youre craving a Pumpkin Spice Latte ($6.45 for a Grande), try this little hack to save a couple bucks.

First of all, lets breakdown exactly whats in a 16-ounce Grande PSL. Its two shots of espresso, four pumps of pumpkin spice sauce, then topped with some optional whipped cream.

Heres a clever hack to get essentially the same drink for $2.50 less.

Start by ordering a Caff Misto ($3.95 for a Grande) which is made with half freshly brewed coffee and half steamed milk. Then ask for just two pumps of pumpkin spice sauce (40 each or free with 50 Stars). Two pumps is still plenty to get the same vibe, especially if youre watching your sugar intake. Then you can ask for some free nutmeg or cinnamon sprinkled on top if thats your thing.

Your savings comes from getting brewed coffee instead of two shots of espresso. But Ive found that once you add the syrup, its very hard to tell the difference between the two. Give it a shot, I think youll agree and your wallet will thank you.

A trick to save on a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

A 16-oz Grande Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew comes in at a whopping $5.75 at most locations. Its literally just an iced coffee with a bunch of frothed milk and a splash of pumpkin flavoring.

Instead, save yourself $1.50 and order a Grande Cold Brew with one pump pumpkin and a splash of cream. Youll end up with the same taste but more coffee at a better price.

Also, have you ever noticed how little coffee you actually get when you order an iced drink at Starbucks? Over half the cup is filled with ice. To fight this, be sure to ask for light ice and get more coffee for the same price.

Get the apple crisp flavor for less

Skip the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato price and instead order a Grande Americano (iced or hot) with 1 pump Apple Brown Sugar and a splash of oatmilk, then ask for caramel drizzle on top.

Youll get the same cozy apple-caramel profile for usually $1$2 less than the original. Especially if you keep it to one pump or use 25 Stars to get the syrup for free.

Create your own fall concoction and save

Try a less expensive iced espresso (2 or 3 shots) then adda pump or two of your favorite seasonal flavorlike pumpkin spice or peppermint, then add free milk or half & half to finish it off. Its much cheaper than a regular latte and you end up with the same amount of caffeine.

You can dress up a simple cup of brewed coffee for fall as well. One of my personal favorites is a Tall dark roast with two pumps of pumpkin spice sauce. Then I visit the carafe station and pour my own half and half. Ends up being a nice fall treat for only $3.75.

Worried about being that person? Dont be. Ive had several baristas tell me recently that customizations account for over 50% of their customers and they expect it.

Regular coffee still your thing?

If youre not one for all the fancy fall drinks, and prefer to stick to a good ol regular cup of joe, heres a trick to score more coffee for free. This tip works especially well if you like to add a little half & half (or milk) to your coffee.

When ordering drip coffee, request the next-size cup for extra room. When ordering a Tall, politely ask for a Tall in a Grande cup. If youre getting a Grande, ask for a Grande in a Venti cup.

Ive found that the barista will happily oblige and typically give you a little extra coffee in the bigger cup. But the real win is scoring plenty of extra room to add your half & half. Nothing worse than asking for room, not getting any, then having to dump some coffee in the trash so you can add creamer. Those days are over with this hack.