Should I help out a friend financially?

[gerards84]

My friend is a single father with two young kids. He does not receive child support from his ex-spouse. Also, he doesn’t qualify for assistance because he makes “too much” money according to state guidelines. Living paycheck to paycheck and behind on bills already, he is one misstep from facing eviction with his kids. My basic needs are met every month, with enough money left over to save for retirement. He has never asked for money but I obviously know his situation. How do I respond and how much do we give in a situation like this?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

I cannot tell you “how much” you should give. I can only tell you that we do have an obligation to help out friends and family, according to our means. In your case, your basic needs are met while your friend is struggling to keep a roof over the head of two young children. If he has no other means of assistance, I’d say your obligation here is pretty clear. “How much” you can spare is a question to ask your financial advisor, but God is never outdone in generosity.