How to Ask for Help Paying Bills

• Step 1

  Calculate how much money you need to borrow. Gather your bills and financial information to assess the gap between what you owe and what you can afford to pay. Scrutinize each bill statement carefully to locate due date and penalty information. Be sure to account for all cash on hand and that the money listed in your banking accounts is actually available. Pinpointing an exact figure lends credibility to your desire to pay bills, instead of wanting the money for frivolous expenditures.

• Step 2

  Create a plan for repayment. Use your monthly budget information to calculate how much money you can place toward loan repayment. Scour your budget to uncover ways to decrease expenses. For example, canceling your cable service or reducing your lunchtime money allotment can increase your available cash. Consider additional ways to increase your income, such as working additional hours at work or hosting a yard sale. Avoid making an unrealistic schedule as this can cause you to default on promises and decrease your credibility.

• Step 3

  Make a list of potential lenders. Consider factors such as the length and nature of your relationships with each possible lender. Take personalities and attitudes toward lending money into account before assuming that anyone will be easily persuaded. It may be beneficial to ask for a loan from a friend that you've helped in the past or that you've promptly repaid in the past.

• Step 4

  Approach potential lenders with confidence, sincerity and concrete details. Use your best judgment as asking for money during inappropriate situations can lead to angry responses. Privately discuss your financial situation and need for monetary support with potential lenders. Stay direct because rambling or rushing through minute details can signal dishonesty. Avoid waiting until the last minute to ask for help paying bills as this can cause stress for you and your friend.

• Step 5

  Finalize the repayment agreement prior to accepting money. This helps eliminate confusion associated with lending money among friends. Include details such as payment amounts, frequencies and interest terms to make the deal official. Sign, date and copy the agreement as evidence of the transaction.

• 3
• Applying for assistance with social service organizations may be a suitable option. Taking out a personal loan with a bank or lending service can help you solve financial problems. Although you should be honest when asking for money, you don't have to disclose every detail regarding your financial situation.
• Applying for assistance with social service organizations may be a suitable option.
• Taking out a personal loan with a bank or lending service can help you solve financial problems.
• Although you should be honest when asking for money, you don't have to disclose every detail regarding your financial situation.
• Never finalize a loan agreement without first reading the details. Avoid groveling or being too demanding when asking for help paying bills.
• Never finalize a loan agreement without first reading the details.
• Avoid groveling or being too demanding when asking for help paying bills.

References & Resources

• Borrow $ From Family And Friends, How To
• When Someone Wants to Borrow Money
• Free Promissory Note Forms