When a friend asks to borrow money, you undoubtedly feel like they've put you on the spot. Of course, you do want to help your friend out, but there's probably a reason he's turning to you rather than to the bank. You may be the most financially successful person in your group of friends, but this doesn't mean that they should treat you like an ATM. On the other hand, if you want to help your friend out, you can do so in a way that makes it more likely for you to keep your friendship and get your money back.