If you feel your track record is a little shaky, make an effort to improve it before you ask. If you live at home, you could cook them dinner, wash their car, and do other chores around the house. If you don’t live at home, find other ways to brighten their days from afar. Be responsive when they call and let them into your life. You don’t want to call them out of the blue for the first time in months just to ask for money.
For example, let’s say you want the money for a new computer. Your parents will be more likely to give you money to buy it if you tell them it will help you excel at your new job or do better in school, rather than just saying you want a computer. If you need the money for a basic necessity, like paying rent or buying food, be honest about why you’re in this situation. Your situation will probably tug on your parents’ heartstrings and they’ll be likely to help you.
You could offer to set up a payment plan and pay your parents back in installments. That way you won’t have to pay everything at once, and it might feel easier to get the money back to them on time. If you don’t plan to pay them back, don’t tell them you’re going to. It’s better to be honest about your intentions. If you ever find yourself in need of money again, you’ll want your parents to remember that you paid them back last time.
If you’re asking for money for a specific item, find it online and print out the price. If you’d like extra money you can use as a cushion, be upfront about that. Tell them that if they give you a certain amount now, you’ll be able to get on your feet and won’t have to ask again. If you’re going to pay them back, you might want to provide a printed installment plan or schedule they can keep. This shows that you’re serious about making good on your promise.
It’s possible that your parents will decline to give you the money. If that’s the case, see if there’s anything you can do to make them feel better about giving it to you. Is there a chore or job you could do in exchange for the money? See if you can make repairs, do the grocery shopping, or help out in some other way. If your parents see that they are gaining something valuable in return, perhaps they will be more willing to give you money. If they still won’t budge, don’t beg. Instead, try to find another way to get money. If you show your parents you’re resourceful, they may even decide to help you out. Do not demand, either. Stay polite and respectful.
If you’re in school, see if you can take an on-campus job or get an emergency loan from the financial aid office. If you have a job, see if you can get an advance on your paycheck to cover emergency bills. If you’re having trouble paying loans, meet with your bank to work out a sustainable payment plan based on your income.
