How to ask for help with money in five simple steps
Discussing finances is uncomfortable, so it’s no surprise that many people struggle to talk about their financial situation. It requires vulnerability to ask for help of any kind, and it can be especially difficult to know how to ask for help with money.
But reaching out to others for support when money is tight can help you take meaningful steps toward financial stability. Below, learn how to let go of fear and embarrassment so you can get the financial help you need.
Whatever you need financial support for, from medical expenses to utility bills, asking loved ones for support can make a huge difference.
Getting help with money online
You might feel like asking for help is hard, and you’re not alone in that feeling. However, expressing vulnerability and asking for assistance takes courage and strength.
If you aren’t sure exactly how to get help, crowdfunding is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reach many people at once and share your needs. By starting an online fundraiser, you can give people who care about you a meaningful way to help.
Starting a crowdfunding fundraiser may also help reduce your reliance on credit cards or other lenders to make ends meet.
Follow these five steps to learn how to ask for financial help.
How to ask for financial assistance online in five steps
1. Be transparent in your fundraiser story
Even though it can be difficult to share your financial details in your fundraiser story with loved ones and strangers alike, this is exactly what will compel others to support you. If they can understand why you desperately need help with money, they’ll be more willing to go above and beyond to donate to your cause or even share your fundraiser with others.
● In your message asking for financial assistance, clearly explain what has led you to your current position. For example, if you’re on a low income and are facing sudden, unexpected medical expenses, add that detail into your story. Your vulnerability will help people relate to you.
● In addition to explaining the financial impact of your situation, remember to explain how this rough patch is affecting your mental health and emotional well-being.
● Describe what financial support would mean for your situation.
● To build trust, lay out your plan to get back on track in as much detail as possible.
Further reading: How to Ask for Donations: An 8-Step Guide
2. Make your goal clear
Tap into the psychology of giving by setting a reasonable and attainable fundraising goal. Research has shown a link between tangibility and generosity, meaning that people are more willing to give to a cause if they know their donation will make a noticeable difference. Be sure to explain what the donations will go toward in as much detail as you feel comfortable sharing.
For this reason, it is wise to set a reasonable, attainable fundraising goal when asking for donations. If your total debt is $10,000, it might be a better idea to set an initial fundraising goal of $3,000. People will be much more willing to help when they feel like their donation can make a big impact in the short term. You can always increase your goal at any time.
3. Make yourself available
There may be some friends or family members who have questions about your financial needs or would like to offer emotional support. At the end of your fundraiser story, let people know you’re open to follow-up conversations, whether by phone, message, or in person. Your willingness to communicate directly will go a long way.
4. Ask for financial counseling
Among your network of friends and family members, you’re sure to have at least a few individuals who are financially savvy and who are willing to offer you their expertise free of charge. In your fundraiser story, let your supporters know that you’re willing to accept financial advice either instead of monetary support or in addition to it.
By expressing an interest in financial literacy and the desire to learn and grow, your network of friends and family members will see that you’re serious about taking charge of your future.
5. Express gratitude
One of the most important aspects of fundraising is expressing your gratitude to donors for their support. When people feel appreciated, they’ll be more willing to donate again or even tell others about your cause. You can say thank you to donors in many different and creative ways, from a fundraiser update posted on social media to a handwritten fundraising letter to even a phone call.
How to ask friends and family for financial help
- Choose the right person. Pick someone you trust, who has the means to help, and with whom you have a solid relationship. Not everyone is the right person to ask.
- Be specific. State exactly how much you need and what it is for. Vague requests make it hard for people to decide whether to help, and concrete amounts feel more manageable.
- Have a plan. If you’re asking for a loan rather than a gift, come prepared with a repayment timeline. This signals responsibility and makes the conversation easier for both sides.
- Protect the relationship. Make it clear that your relationship matters more than the money. Let them know it’s completely OK to say no and mean it. Following through on any repayment agreement is essential.
If asking individuals directly feels too difficult, GoFundMe gives you a way to reach a wider network with a structured, shareable request.
Inspirational examples of individuals asking for help
If you’re still unsure of how to ask for financial help online, why not look to some real-life inspiration? The individuals below used GoFundMe to raise money for their financial needs, ranging from rental assistance to college tuition.
Ianne’s rent coverage campaign
Ianne is a creative whose work spans across the arts and social justice. Amid the ongoing global events, Ianne fell behind on rent. Despite the opportunities she has been afforded, ranging from dance to theater, it’s still been hard to keep up with rent payments. She decided it was time to lean on her greatest resource in life, her friends and family, and ask for help. Ianne started a fundraiser, and her community came together to raise over $9,500. With the funds, Ianne will be able to cover her rent for secure housing and other business expenses.
Melo’s medical bills
Jorge and his family love their dog, Melo. The pup has been the most important thing to them since they adopted him. Unfortunately, the vet informed the family that Melo has cancer and would need to have one of his toes amputated to keep the cancer from spreading. Additionally, Melo has an infection in his teeth and needs dental work. Melo’s health issues have taken a toll on the family, and on top of that, Jorge is unemployed and can’t afford Melo’s health care bills. Jorge turned to GoFundMe to start a fundraiser, and over $3,300 has been raised to help Melo on his road to recovery.
Help me pay my first college tuition payment
Audrey decided to follow her passions for biology and medicine and attend college to study biomedical science. Having received a scholarship and numerous grants that covered her college tuition, all she had left to pay was for room and board. However, her parents didn’t have the means to support her financially, and Audrey was unable to take out a loan because she didn’t have a credit history. To make her first payment and get help with caring for her emotional support animal, Audrey started a fundraiser. Her community rallied behind her to reach her fundraising goal of $1,500, which allowed Audrey to make her tuition payment and have leftover funds for textbooks and her emotional support cat.
GoFundMe is a trusted place to ask for financial help
When countless people could empathize with your situation, asking for help doesn’t have to be shameful. Whether you need help with bills, funeral expenses, or student loan debt, crowdfunding can be a lifeline. GoFundMe offers simple pricing and powerful fundraising.
Why GoFundMe? In the US, there’s no fee to start or manage your fundraiser on GoFundMe. However, there is one small transaction fee per donation that covers all your fundraising needs. Everything else goes directly to your cause, because that’s what matters most. This means you can keep even more of the funds you raise and meet your fundraising goals faster. And for a broader look at your options, our guide to emergency financial assistance covers government programs, nonprofits, and crowdfunding in one place.
Now that you know how to ask for help when you need it, start a fundraiser and give your network a way to support you.
Frequently asked questions about asking for financial help
Be direct and specific about the amount and what it is for. Choose the right moment; a private, calm setting works better than a text message or a group conversation. Let them know it is completely fine to say no, and the relationship matters more than the outcome.
Being in a difficult financial situation is not a character flaw. It happens to people at every income level. Focus on the facts: what you need, why you need it, and how you plan to address it. The more clearly you frame your situation, the less room there is for embarrassment to take over.
Be straightforward: explain what happened, how much you need, what it will be used for, and when you plan to repay it if it is a loan. Avoid overly apologetic language. A clear, calm, honest ask is more effective than a vague or emotional one.
Start by contacting people in your immediate network, including family, close friends, or a community organization, and be specific about what you need and how soon. At the same time, start a GoFundMe fundraiser so your wider network can contribute, even if they are unable to help in person. There’s no formal application process to start a GoFundMe fundraiser, and it’s open to a wide range of personal causes. You can set up bank transfers in your account to receive donated funds. For a broader look at your options, our guide to emergency financial assistance covers government programs, nonprofits, and crowdfunding in one place.