‘My Friend Is in Financial Trouble. How Should I Help Her?’

One of my good friends is clearly in financial trouble. She lost her job a few months ago and told me that she had to liquidate her 401(k) to make her rent. She isn’t close with her family, so she can’t move back in with them or ask for help if she runs out of money. I don’t know the details of her finances, but I am worried about her. This friend and I are both in our late 20s and have known each other since high school. We live in the same city, but our lives are pretty different. I have a stable, decent-paying job, live with my partner, and save regularly. Unlike her, I also don’t have student loans, which I know is also a huge privilege. She’s helped me through some really rough times in my own life and I want to be there for her. I just don’t know what to do.

It seems awkward to lend her money, but since I can afford to do so, should I offer anyway? If so, what do I say? I’m worried she might be offended. What else should I do?

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