[QUOTE=JackJohnson;
It almost always starts with they "lost" some money, or things are "slow." Most will just keep hinting about how they need to pay their phone bill, or rent, etc... and have a drama filled story to boot. They will wait for you to offer.
Generally when I get hit up for a loan, I suggest they sign a loan agreement, we notarize it and they offer collateral. I set the interest rate. That will generally get them off your back.
Of course, the obvious is to say "you can come work off the money and interest over a couple of days first... at my rate, since you're asking ME for the money" They will usually protest and its worth a laugh.
The best answer is... of course... No. Most providers want to firewall off their life and their business. So should you. You are buying an illusion she wants you, or you wouldn't have a transaction involved. Never let that illusion extend past that time. The intimacy of the transaction puts YOU in a vulnerable position, and some providers will manipulate that.
Funny story, I once had a provider ask me for $500 bucks for a car repair for her "Mercedes." I laughed... I mean really laughed for a couple of minutes. She hung up.
Anyway, I'm sure others will have different stories about how they have great provider friends who they loan money to, or providers who will talk about great clients they have ... fair enough. as they say... YMMV.
Since this isn't in the Mens only area...
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This advice is spot on. I have loaned money to friends, family, co-workers, and a provider. I have always made the loans expecting that I would never get any of it back- interesting enough my friends have fared better than family, and co-workers better than the provider. To be fair to the provider, I did get 75% of it back and a couple "freebies" but not enough to add up to the difference that was owed.
While it is true that many of the providers can easily "out-earn" hobbyists they also let this money flow through the hands pretty easily. Heck, if I had a printing press between my legs I would spend a lot more than I do!!!