I don’t have kids, or need to buy a house (renting is a better option in my city), and have pretty inexpensive tastes. So, even though I’m not rich, I can afford basically everything I want and need in life and save money. My friend has very expensive taste; clothes, dining, travel etc. always has to be expensive. We’ve gone on holiday a few times together, and they were overtly depressed if stayed at anything less than a 5 star hotel. I’m not judging them for what makes them happy, just because it’s not what makes me happy. Anyway, they’ve curbed the spending habit in an attempt to pay off their debt, but the interest rate is so high that most of their repayments are eaten up instantly. 5-10k would make their remaining debt interest-free, and I could afford to not be paid back for it. However, I’ve also been in their position before. If I had gotten a handout, I would have never learnt how to be financially independent. Also, I’m historically a serial enabler. I’ve bailed out friends many times (~10k has never been repaid) just because I can’t stand to see anyone struggle like I had to. It’s chronic, I even paid for the hotel upgrades with this friend after seeing how sad they were in 4 star hotels. Have I just lost touch with the struggle now that I’m privileged, or is it true that helping people in need just enables them to never work harder?