u/Dependent_Fall_1107

My friend Alex is terrible with money. He's always broke. He spends his paychecks on stuff he doesn't need — new shoes, nights out, random gadgets. Then he complains he can't afford rent.

He asked me to borrow $300 last week. Said his electric bill was overdue and they're about to shut it off. He promised to pay me back in two weeks.

I want to help. I really do. But I know him. I've lent him money before and it took months to get it back. I ended up having to remind him constantly and he made me feel like the bad guy for asking.

So I said no. I told him I'm not comfortable lending money anymore. I said he needs to figure out his own finances.

He got mad. Said I'm not a real friend. Said if I had the money and was just hoarding it, I'm selfish. He said "friends help each other."

I said "I've helped you before and it always ends up stressful for both of us. I'd rather just not go through that again."

He's barely talking to me now. Another friend says I should've just helped him out. But my girlfriend says I was right to set a boundary because he needs to learn to manage his money.

I feel guilty because he's clearly stressed about his bills. But I'm tired of being his backup plan.

AITA?