A woman is considering giving her friends 5,000 euros to help them buy a house, but is unsure if it is a good idea. Her friends are struggling to enter the housing market, while she and her partner were able to buy property early due to financial advantages. Others share their opinions and experiences with similar situations.

Financial solidarity between friends may be more common than one might expect, especially concerning the difficult housing market. A single person in their thirties expressed annoyance at friends who have benefitted from wealthy parents, noting that finding a partner and buying a house is often a matter of luck. They suggest donating the 5,000 euros without expecting anything in return, believing that the friends will be grateful.

Several people caution against lending or giving money to friends, citing potential negative consequences. Some believe that recipients may start to view the giver as a financier and make further requests, potentially creating inequality in the friendship. One person recounted losing a friend after refusing to lend a large sum of money.

Others suggest alternative approaches. One person suggests making an anonymous donation to avoid any awkwardness or expectations. Another proposes offering a loan with a “friends rate” of interest.

Some emphasize the importance of giving without judgment or for a specific purpose. One person shared their experience of giving away excess money after inheriting it, saying they never regretted it. However, another warns that offering money can highlight financial inequality and suggest alternative ways to support friends, such as covering expenses in social settings.