Writing a Letter Asking Relatives for Money (with Sample Letter)
Use this sample letter asking relatives for money as a template for your formal request.
Writing a Letter Asking Relatives for Money
Some people prefer to make a request of this nature in writing, especially if they person lives far away or is hard to get a hold of. There is no right or wrong way to write a letter asking for money, but it should be done with the utmost scrutiny. First, it may be embarrassing to make the phone call and ask, so a letter can avoid the stuttering and the nerves that come with speaking in person. Also, due to today’s technological advances, it is easier than ever to just send an email to someone. While proper protocol should be followed, since the lender is a relative, there is no need for a formal certified letter.
Speaking of protocol, what is acceptable in a letter of this capacity? In order to appeal to a relative’s generous side, it is probably wise to tell them why the money is needed. Is there a home repair or a car expense that has broke the bank? It may just be that there is no enough money, perhaps hours were cut at work. It is important to establish a few things with the letter, and first of all there needs to be grounds to grant this loan. Also, it is important to let the person know when the money will be paid back.
Some may grant the loan but will want something in writing and want to charge interest. There are many different types of families, and some will want more protection for their investment than others. Some relatives may just trust the fact that their family wouldn’t stiff them for money they are owed. However, if the loan is a large sum, the relative is probably very wise with their money and knows how to manage it. These are usually the people who may want some sort of promissory note. Don’t be offended by the assurance of a promissory note, it is just a person’s way of protecting their money. There are too many stories of people who don’t pay money back when they should.
Speaking of protocol, what is acceptable in a letter of this capacity? In order to appeal to a relative’s generous side, it is probably wise to tell them why the money is needed. Is there a home repair or a car expense that has broke the bank? It may just be that there is no enough money, perhaps hours were cut at work. It is important to establish a few things with the letter, and first of all there needs to be grounds to grant this loan. Also, it is important to let the person know when the money will be paid back.
Some may grant the loan but will want something in writing and want to charge interest. There are many different types of families, and some will want more protection for their investment than others. Some relatives may just trust the fact that their family wouldn’t stiff them for money they are owed. However, if the loan is a large sum, the relative is probably very wise with their money and knows how to manage it. These are usually the people who may want some sort of promissory note. Don’t be offended by the assurance of a promissory note, it is just a person’s way of protecting their money. There are too many stories of people who don’t pay money back when they should.
Asking for money is not easy, but it can be done graciously. Start the letter with the amount that is needed and the reason why. Then follow up with when the money can be paid back and state the willingness to put this in writing. Appeal to the generosity of relatives and tug at their heartstrings. It is acceptable to tell a cute story of something remembered to soften their hearts. Here is a sample letter to serve as a guideline. If being sent by email, the formal name and address can be omitted.
Sample Letter Asking Relatives for Money
DATE
Ida Smith
8920 Lake Drive South West
Pataskala, Ohio 43350
Greetings Aunt Ida,
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that you and Uncle Curtis are doing well. I have fallen on some hard times with Christmas and the van being in the shop and have found myself short on cash. I was wondering if you would be willing to allow Liz and me to borrow some money to help us through this difficult time.
It seems like the winter months are difficult for everyone including us. We had a $500 electric bill and the van had a leaky valve gasket. Between providing a good Christmas for the children, paying the extra bills and repairing the van, we are flat broke. I need a loan of $1,000 to get us through this difficult time. I looked at our bills and would like to propose a repayment plan of $250 a month for the next four months. If you require interest, we would also be willing to kick in a little extra for your trouble.
I know this may seem like a lot to ask for someone to lend money, but we really don’t have many options. We don’t qualify for a bank loan and a cash advance loan is only for a very short term. It seems like when it rains it pours and we are just getting a great deal of headache these days. I would love to hear from you soon regarding this matter. Also, we would love to catch up and have you and Uncle Curtis over for dinner.
Love,
Andrew Thompson
By Andre Bradley
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