How to help someone financially without making it awkward

Pay for a specific thing

Offering to cover “the electric bill this month” is easier to accept than “here’s some money.” It also makes sure the help goes where it’s needed.

Make it a gift, not a loan

If you can afford to, say up front that you don’t want it back. A loan between friends can sit there for a long time. A gift doesn’t.

How to help someone financially anonymously

• Pay their bill directly. Many utilities and landlords accept payments from anyone with the account number.
• Mail a gift card for groceries or gas with no return address.
• Ask a mutual friend, a church or a community group to pass it along for you.

Help a stranger

On A Dollar Closer, people post a specific bill and an amount. You can send a dollar on Venmo without an account, and nobody has to ask you directly.