Janu-worry – a phenomenon that often presents financial and other challenges in January – is less than two months away. While it is common to lending a financial helping hand to family and friends before or during the festive season, it can be rather awkward to ask for your money back.
That said, it is time to start practising how to politely ask for the money that you are owed. Below are five ways to do so:
1. Politely remind them
Finance platform CompareHero notes that sometimes people will genuinely forget to give your money back. So, all they need is a gentle reminder. When asking for your rands, be courteous and always use polite language. For example, you could say, “Hey, do you remember that I lent you money last month? I was wondering when you could give it back.”
2. Provide the debtor with a variety of payment options
“They will probably appreciate your willingness to accept payment if they are well aware that they owe you money, ” says ClientVenue, an end-to-end solution for agency businesses. Offer the debtor payment methods that work best for you. You should also consider an option they are comfortable with.
3. Let them pay for the next round
For small debts, allow your debtor to pay for your meal or round of drinks, suggests CompareHero. “This works because you get some or all the amount paid back and it serves as a reminder that they owe you money.” Remember to be polite about it!
4. Send a polite reminder before the due date
If it is a colleague who owes you money, Indeed (a website that strives to put job seekers first) suggests sending them an email mentioning that you enjoyed working on the respective project and that you attached the invoice with the agreed-upon due date. The job-seeking website adds, “You can also end on a friendly note by… mentioning that you would enjoy collaborating again in the future.”
5. Request their assistance
If you need money for something, politely ask your debtor to assist you by repaying the debt they owe. Do not let too much time pass before the money you are owed is given to you as the situation may become awkward over time, notes ClientVenue.
Also see: Tips on how to manage credit
