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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

friend wants to borrow £1k

212 replies

Kahoots · 22/01/2026 12:19

I have about 25k in savings and working towards buying a house. DH has near enough the same. We want to have £10k as a buffer for emergencies, so we’re looking at 400k houses (hard round here to get something we need for that!)

We have DC4 but no other dependents. We’re ok financially, not great, but we get by. Me and DH have saved for years - I was working 60 hour weeks before DC was born. We both work full time now.

My best friend who I’ve known since a child has asked to borrow some money. She’s switching jobs end of this month but hasn’t worked this month because she’s been poorly. She has just bought a car and is away next week on holiday. she said she’s got £500 to last her til February payday.

I thought she was going to ask to borrow a couple of hundred which DH was ok with. She’s just asked for £1000.

aibu to think this is quite a lot? Theoretically, I do have it to give. But I have no idea when I’ll get it back and tbh I feel pissed off that she’s just bought a new car and holiday and I’ve got to help her with essentials :(

aibu?

OP posts:
noworklifebalance · 22/01/2026 12:25

Just seen that she has bought a car - is that an essential E.g for work?
and the holiday - when did she book and pay for that? If it was last year then fair enough but if recently then that’s a red flag and don’t agree to lend money

Serafee · 22/01/2026 12:25

just don’t. You will lose your money and your friend

TokyoSushi · 22/01/2026 12:25

No no no no no no no

RoseDog · 22/01/2026 12:24

You don’t have to help her! You can tell her your money is in a savings account you can’t access easily.

Spirallingdownwards · 22/01/2026 12:24

It would be a no from me unless I was rich enough to gift it. You are not.

remember - never a borrower nor a lender be.

FanDann · 22/01/2026 12:23

Just say no, you don’t have it to spare. She can use a credit card or ask someone else.

noworklifebalance · 22/01/2026 12:23

Don’t- it never ends well.

Perhaps offer to do a food shop or two instead, if you feel an outright no is too harsh given your friendship - only you can judge that. Although be prepared to have that thrown back in your face.

PosiePerkinPootleFlump · 22/01/2026 12:23

Say no. She had the option to not just buy a car and book holidays.
I imagine she could get a credit card. If she can’t get a credit card, you’re not going to be getting your £1k back!

zipadeeday · 22/01/2026 12:23

You, your husband and your kids need every penny of that money to put a roof over your heads.

She will have to manage and go without.

Peonies12 · 22/01/2026 12:23

Definitely don’t lend it, never a good idea. Her choice to buy a car and go on holiday.

LoveWine123 · 22/01/2026 12:22

Sorry, it’s a bit of a tough month after Christmas, it’s not easy to spare that much at the moment.

I would not be inclined to lend her any money given the context.

TakeMeToTheMoon2026 · 22/01/2026 12:21

You haven't got to help her. I'd say I haven't got it