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How do you help neighbors who are struggling financially? Rushing into help neighbors who appear to be struggling financially could lead to an embarrassing situation on both sides. They could become offended and find it hard to speak to you again. People don't always react in the way anticipated. We all know how difficult it can be to accept a compliment so imagine how difficult it is accepting monetary help. Some may be delighted, others may be insulted, others may be too proud and perhaps feel they owe you something in return so the manner in which you tackle this is paramount to your success.

First of all you need to have a good relationship with them. If you hardly ever speak, there may be some underlying friction or stereotypes they have of you. Once, you have a good relationship with them then you can assess their needs. As they give you snippets of their life, then you will understand them more about each other and have an idea of how they might react. Different kinds of help you might give are:

*Giving money directly

*Giving a gift

*Offering a service

*Asking them to help you with something and paying them for it.

Giving money directly

If you are going to give them money directly then you need to tread carefully. My own personal opinion is that I would avoid giving cash or writing out a cheque because they may throw it back in your face and feel unable to accept it. This could lead to both you and your neighbors feeling uncomfortable about the situation. They may find it a burden because they feel it necessary to pay you back. The worst case could be that they want more money off you at a later date, and say "You'll be able to help us out won't you?" They could find themselves never being able to solve their problems.

Giving a gift

By getting to know your neighbor you will know if there is anything they need. Gifts personalise the situation. If your neighbor has children and you know they are growing up fast you may pass on some clothes you have or give vouchers for a shop. Be tactful, "I have these vouchers for X and I'm never going to be able to use them. You'd be doing me a favor if you have them." Or if it is furniture they require, such as a new sofa and you have recently ordered a new one then you could say, "I am buying a new sofa. Would you like my old one? It would be such a big help because I won't know what to do with it otherwise."

Offering a service

You may have a skill that may be of use. If for example you are a painter and decorator you may offer

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