How to Ask for Help With Money

Money has always been a taboo topic, so it’s no surprise that many people struggle to talk about their financs. It requires vulnerability to ask for help of any kind, and it can be especially difficult when it comes to knowing how to ask for help with money. But asking others for support when you’ve fallen on hard times can get you back on the path to financial security. Below, learn how to let go of fear and embarrassment so you can get the financial help you need.

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Three signs it’s time to ask for help with money

Are you still uncertain if it’s the right time to seek outside support? Consider taking the next steps if you’re trying to get rid of debt but keep finding yourself in any of these situations:

 1. You’re living off of your savings or credit cards

If you’ve had to consistently dip into your savings because of financial setbacks, it may be time to reevaluate your situation. Using credit cards to pay for living expenses is another sign that you need extra help.

 2. You’re behind on paying bills

Do you receive regular calls from debt collectors? Or have you been sent to collections? When it’s difficult to keep up with monthly bills, your financial situation can quickly worsen. If you find yourself struggling, it’s best to get help from a debt advice service like Mabs as soon as you can so that the situation doesn’t worsen. Mabs – Money Advice and Budgeting Service – is the Irish money advice service. They are free of charge. 

 3. You’re taking on more debt

Opening additional credit cards or taking out loans to pay for emergency situations that crop up is another sign that you could benefit from financial assistance.

 Ways to get help with money

There are ways out there to get help with money, although it may not always feel like it. 

From crowdfunding to supportive schemes in your local community, there are ways you can seek help. 

Included below are some of the ways you can get help with money: 

• Check if you’re eligible for benefits. The Government’s website provides further information as to who can claim social welfare in times of need 
• See if you can get help with energy bills. Many energy providers can offer help with energy bills, especially after recent rises. It’s important to check how long this support can last, though. The Budget 2024 announced domestic electricity customers will get €450 towards their bills paid in three instalments of €150. 
• You can also start a crowdfunding campaign. On GoFundMe we offer tips about how to best create a successful crowdfunding campaign from start to finish.  
• Keep on top of local deals and make sure you are up to date with the latest news surrounding tariffs. Keeping tabs on Martin Lewis’ money saving tips can also be a big help.  
• Speak to family and friends. Discussing money can often be difficult, but the best way to start to get help with money is to tell people how you’re feeling. They may be able to suggest solutions that you had not thought of.

Getting help with money online without fear or embarrassment

You might feel like asking for help is a sign of weakness, but being able to express vulnerability and ask 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 a lot of people at once and share your needs. 

By starting an online fundraiser, you can give people who care about you the opportunity to lend a hand and make a real difference in your life. These five tips can help you tell your story in the most positive and impactful way.

1. Be honest and vulnerable in your fundraiser story

Even though it can be difficult to bare your financial details in your fundraiser story to friends 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.
• In addition to explaining the financial impact of your situation, remember to explain how this rough patch is affecting your emotional well-being.
• Describe how financial support will make a life-changing difference.
• To build trust, lay out your plan to get back on track in as much detail as possible.

 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.

For this reason, it’s wise to set a reasonable and attainable fundraising goal when asking for donations. If your total debt is €10,000, it might be a better idea to set a fundraising goal of €3,000. People will be much more willing to help when they feel like their donation can make a big impact. You can always increase your goal at any time. There’s advice on our blog here on how to ask for donations, too.

3. Offer to talk it out 

There may be some friends or family members who have questions about your financial need or would like to give you emotional support. At the end of your fundraiser story, offer to meet face-to-face with anyone who would like more information on your situation. Your willingness to be open and set aside time for them will go a long way.

 4. Ask for advice  

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 in lieu of monetary support, or in addition to monetary support. By expressing an interest in financial literacy and the desire to learn and grow, your network of friends and family members will see you’re serious about taking charge of your future.

 5. Express gratitude 

One of the most important aspects of fundraising is telling your donors how thankful you are 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 to individual notes.

 Inspirational stories of individuals who bravely asked for help

If you’re still unsure of how to ask for financial help online, why not look to some real-life inspiration? The below individuals used crowdfunding on GoFundMe to raise money for their financial needs—from dental work to college tuition.

 Help fund surgery in France

Eight years ago, Chris went into sudden cardiac arrest. He was diagnosed with a rare form of arrhythmia and treatment in Ireland isn’t working – so he started a fundraiser to get him treatment in France. In total, he’s gone into cardiac arrest 15 times. So far he has raised more than €5k towards treatment. 

 Spina Bifida and Dylan’s Dream to Write a Book 

Dylan is 26 and has spina bifida. He’s a columnist and contributor to a newspaper with a feature ‘Dylan Meets’ – where he meets well known personalities from sport, business and entertainment. He’s planning on producing his experiences into a book – so has decided to crowdfund to help him meet the costs. He’s raised more than €12k so far. 

Cancer treatment fund

Katarzyna has been battling with various health problems for over a decade and now has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Over the previous years she’s lost a kidney and had various lung and abdominal surgeries. She’s an artist and is also selling her work to pay for medical bills, but has also started this fundraiser to help.

Overcome your fear of asking for financial help

When there are countless people who could empathise with your situation, asking for help doesn’t have to be shameful. Whether you need help with bills, burial expenses, or student loan debt, crowdfunding can be a lifeline. GoFundMe offers pricing and powerful fundraising. In Ireland, 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. Start your fundraiser and begin finding financial relief today.