Should You Manage Your Friends Money? (2024)

If you're talking about your investing strategies—and showing signs of success—you're likely the go-to person among your friends when it comes to financial questions. Meaning, if you're financial savvy, people who know you might view you as a very valuable commodity—a potential free money manager.

Key Takeaways

  • When starting a financial advisory business, it can be difficult to get your first set of clients.
  • It may be tempting to start managing money for friends and family, but beware the negatives that can come from doing so.
  • If you lose your friend's money—or they take legal action against—it can result in more than just a ruined friendship.
  • A better strategy might be referring friends to other professionals in your network and educate them on personal finances.

Issues With Investing for Friends

Investing other people's money might seem simple enough, but it does bring a number of complications.

Unrealistic Expectations

The friend of yours who thinks 35% returns this year are going to happen next year as well might be in for a nasty surprise if your stock picks make next to nothing. When you invest for friends, you have to deal with unrealistic expectations that can put a damper on a relationship.

If your friends want you to invest for them, they might not understand all of the risks involved with investing, including not hitting projected investment goals.

Losing Money

Not meeting a friend's investing expectations may jeopardize your friendship, but falling short of your friend's projected returns could make things worse. Managing and explaining losses can be tough when there's a friendship involved.

Do you tell the friend to suck it up? Do you make the person whole out of your pocket? Do you try to make up the difference with new picks? There isn't a perfect way to deal with losing a friend's money and you should consider this risk before you agree to invest for anyone.

Legal Matters

By managing a friend's money, you may be breaking the law. Investment professionals must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the state in which they operate. They are regulated by governments and by trade organizations like the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for the protection of consumers.

If you invest for a friend for compensation, you could be breaking laws that are in place to protect investors from people who aren't qualified to have discretionary control over others' accounts.

Short End of the Stick

To avoid registration and costly licenses, you decide to invest your friends' money for free. If that's the case, you will need to consider whether your friend is taking advantage of you. Helping out a friend is nice, but when that help consists of making money for that person and getting little or nothing in return, you might be suffering from an off-balance relationship.

What Can You Do for Friends

Note that there are still things that you can do to help your friends with investing without burdening yourself with the substantial responsibility of investing someone else's money. One of the best ways to lend a hand is to teach your friend about investing.

Help Them Learn

There are a lot of pitfalls out there for new investors. If you're lucky, you've been able to avoid quite a few of them or you learned how you should have gone about avoiding them.

The benefit of your experience can be a great asset to pass on to a friend and it won't cost either one of you personally or financially. Therefore, if you want to help your friends, work with them—show them how to analyze a financial statement, how to execute a trade online, or how to find online resources.

Investment Clubs

There is a popular way to invest hands-on with friends without taking on the responsibility of an investment advisor—an investment club. Investment clubs consist of a group of people who vote to decide whether or not to buy or sell their group-owned investments.

Investment clubs are useful because they allow a more personal approach with actual investments versus just helping someone with investing concepts. These clubs will also give you a vested interest in the performance of your friend's portfolio.

If you're interested in starting an investment club, there are many resources available, ranging from your broker to the internet. It's important to recognize that an investment club isn't just a couple of people who want to invest together—it's a formal (and legally defined) organization with members who have an equitable claim to the assets. This means you should look into the rules and laws that govern investment clubs where you live before joining or starting one yourself.

Can You Legally Invest Other People’s Money?

Yes, but if you plan to invest other people’s money you’ll need the proper licenses. You may also need to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

What License Do You Need to Invest Other People’s Money?

Overall, to invest other people’s money means you need to be a registered investment adviser with the state or Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). This includes licensing from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

What Is It Called When You Invest Other People’s Money?

Investing other people’s money (OPM) is a term used in real estate investing. Using other people’s money is often referred to as leverage.

The Bottom Line

Investing for a friend usually isn't worth the amount of trouble it can cause. Money just isn't something you want to bring into a good friendship. In the end, by helping your friends invest on their own, you'll be doing them—and yourself—a much bigger favor.

Should You Manage Your Friends Money? (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to have someone manage your money? ›

Finding a financial advisor or planner can seem intimidating at first, but it can pay off if your portfolio is too large to manage alone. The first step is to figure out what kind of financial advice you need–whether that be estate planning, saving for retirement, or simply seeking the best way to invest your savings.

Should you let your friend be your financial advisor? ›

'F' stands for Fiduciary, not Friend

At the end of the day, it's up to you to keep the adviser in your financial lane and not allow them to cross that personal line.

Who should manage my money? ›

Financial Planner. A financial planner is to your money what your primary care doctor is to your health. Your financial planner is the big-picture person, the one you talk to first about any financial issues. They can help you make a plan to pay off debt, save for college, or invest for retirement.

Is it smart to invest in a friends business? ›

Don't think you're going to make a fortune if you help a friend out,” Rao says. In fact, don't expect to make any money at all. Roughly 20% of businesses close within the first year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And most startups never deliver a positive return.

What is the golden rule of money management? ›

Golden Rule #1: Save more, spend less

One of his most famous pieces of advice on managing your money is “Don't save what is left after spending, spend what is left after saving." In other words, save before you spend - pay yourself first.

What's the 50 30 20 rule of money management? ›

In her 2006 published book “All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan,“ she explained the concept of the rule as follows: 50% to needs. 30% to wants. 20% to savings.

Can I manage someone else's money? ›

You can step right in and care for your loved one's finances with a durable financial power of attorney. Trustee – Your loved one can set up a revocable living trust, naming someone as the trustee. This person can take over the financial responsibilities if your loved one becomes incapacitated.

Can an introvert be a good financial advisor? ›

The answer is a resounding yes. Introverts typically prefer quiet solitude to noisy crowds. Financial advisors study financial trends, so they can make great investment recommendations to their clients. They spend as much time on research as they do on prospecting, and meeting with, clients.

What are the disadvantages of having a financial advisor? ›

Disadvantages of a Certified Financial Adviser

Perhaps the most significant concern of hiring a financial adviser is that they don't always have your best interests in mind. Despite many advisers making decisions that will benefit the client, it is not unusual for conflicts of interest to arise.

What is it called when someone manages your money? ›

Sometimes called durable power of attorney, this is a legal document in which one person assigns another the power to make financial decisions on their behalf, should the assignor become unable to make sound decisions. The person assigned power of attorney is called an “agent” or “attorney-in-fact."

Who should pay the bills in a relationship? ›

Some couples pay their household bills from a joint account to which both partners contribute. Others divide the bills, with each partner paying their share from their individual accounts. It's also important to make sure the division of bills is fair and equitable for both partners.

What percentage of people do manage their money well? ›

Seventy-five percent of people manage their own money: CNBC Survey. CNBC's Sharon Epperson joins 'The Exchange' to discuss the findings from the CNBC Invest in You Survey on how Americans are investing their money and their sense of financial literacy.

Can I invest my friends money for them? ›

Can You Legally Invest Other People's Money? Yes, but if you plan to invest other people's money you'll need the proper licenses.

Is investing with friends a good idea? ›

And by investing with friends you can pool capital and level up together. Buying property with friends allows you to build equity in a property that appreciates over time and enjoy tax benefits. From a personal perspective, homeownership gives you options.

How much equity do you give friends and family? ›

Since a typical pre-money valuation for angels would be between $1 and $3 million, in general the maximum pre-money valuation from friends and family should be between $250,000 to $1 million. A typical amount to raise from friends and family is $25,000 to $150,000.

What is the 70 20 10 Rule money? ›

The biggest chunk, 70%, goes towards living expenses while 20% goes towards repaying any debt, or to savings if all your debt is covered. The remaining 10% is your 'fun bucket', money set aside for the things you want after your essentials, debt and savings goals are taken care of.

What is the 3 money rule? ›

How to budget your money with the 50/30/20 rule. The 50/30/20 rule simplifies budgeting by dividing your after-tax income into just three spending categories: needs, wants and savings or debts.

What are the 4 rules of money? ›

Spend less than you make. Spend way less than you make, and save the rest. Earn more money. Make your money earn more money.

How much should I budget for 100k salary? ›

Assuming you make $100,000 a year, your monthly expenses should be up to $6,000. This includes rent or mortgage payments, car payments, insurance, food, utilities, and other necessary expenses.

How much savings should I have at 35? ›

So to answer the question, we believe having one to one-and-a-half times your income saved for retirement by age 35 is a reasonable target. By age 50, you would be considered on track if you have three to six times your preretirement gross income saved.

How much savings should I have at 40? ›

These rules of thumb say you should have saved ... 2 to 3 times your income by age 40. 3 to 4 times your income by age 45.

Is it rude to talk about other people's money? ›

Discussing money is considered gauche in certain situations but permissible in others if the questioner needs the information, and if the topic is approached in the right way, says Smith. What you don't want to do is put people on the spot in very social situations, such as at a party.

Is it rude to talk about someone else's money? ›

Discussing Salary

It's rude to ask how much money someone else makes, and it's also rude to share how much money you make (unless there is good reason to do so, i.e. someone is looking for a job in your field and wants to know a typical salary range). "This can make people feel uncomfortable," Porter said.

What is it called when you take control of someone's finances? ›

Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney

A property and financial affairs LPA can give someone the authority to deal with and make decisions about things like: buying or selling property. bank, building society and other financial accounts. welfare benefits or tax credits.

What is the biggest weakness of an introvert? ›

Introverts are easily distracted by external stimuli and while they might be too nice to say anything, get very frustrated with constant interruptions when they are trying to concentrate.

What personality type is the most introverted? ›

One person's social interactions might cause them to lean toward the INFP as the most introverted personality type, while someone else might know an INTP who they swear is the most introverted person they've ever known.

What is the hardest thing being an introvert? ›

Perhaps the toughest part of being an introvert is not so much talking about yourself, but rather wishing you were better at talking about yourself.

Why don't people use financial advisors? ›

For context, MagnifyMoney notes that fee-only advisors typically charge between 0.5% and 1.25% of the assets they manage. This overestimation of cost is likely a major factor why so many forgo getting a financial advisor in the first place.

Why not to use a financial advisor? ›

They Charge You Regardless of Whether or Not They Make You Money. The fees that financial advisors charge are not based on the returns they deliver but on how much money you invest. This means that you'll still get a bill for their services even if they lose the money you entrust them with.

What is a money narcissist? ›

Narcissists often use money as a tool for punishment. They may reward you financially when you do what they want, and then withhold money when they feel vindictive. This can feel unsafe, degrading and confusing.

Who spends more in a relationship? ›

People spend more when they're looking for long-term love.

Single people spend the most money on dating, followed by those in a relationship, with married couples in last place, according to a new study from GiftCards.com.

How should money be split in a relationship? ›

Split bills by income

Consequently, many couples opt to split bills proportionally according to each partner's income. For example, if Partner A makes $6,000 per month, and Partner B makes $4,000 per month, their total income is $10,000. Partner A earns 60% of that, while Partner B brings in 40%.

Should couples help each other financially? ›

When it comes to money, couples face a big question: Combine finances, keep them separate or do a combination of both? Now, research finds that those who do pool their money are more likely to stay together.

What age group spends the most money? ›

Overall in 2021, Gen X (anyone born from 1965 to 1980) spent the most money of any U.S. generation, with an average annual expenditure of $83,357. The second biggest spenders are Millennials with an average annual expenditure of $69,061.

What is the top 1% financially? ›

Key Takeaways
  • As of 2019, the top 1% of household net worth in the U.S. starts at $11,099,166. ...
  • An individual would need to earn an average of $401,622 per year in order to join the top 1%, and a household would need an income of $570,00. ...
  • The median household income was $70,784 in 2021, and $45,470 for individuals.

What does the average person consider a lot of money? ›

According to Schwab's 2022 Modern Wealth Survey (opens in new tab), Americans believe it takes an average net worth of $2.2 million to qualify a person as being wealthy.

Is it OK to lend money to friends? ›

Lending money to family and friends can be a gesture of goodwill when someone you know is in a tight spot financially, but it can be problematic if your efforts to help lead to disagreements or you experience financial issues as a result.

Can I legally lend money to a friend? ›

Is lending money legal? Yes, it is. It is legal to lend money, and when you do, the debt becomes the borrower's legal obligation to repay. For smaller loans, you can take legal action against your borrower if they do not pay by taking them to small claims court.

How to use other peoples money to invest? ›

There are a number of ways you can use other people's money to meet your small business goals. Grants, loans, investors, crowdfunding, invoice factoring, and selling your business are several of the many options at your disposal.

How do you tell if your friends are worth it? ›

5 Signs To Know If A Friend Is Really Worth Keeping Around
  1. 1) The one who doesn't discredit you. Sustainable friendships are based on foundations of mutual respect. ...
  2. 2) The one who is honest. ...
  3. 3) The one who doesn't divide and rule your life. ...
  4. 4) The one who gives you space. ...
  5. 5) The one who isn't a leech.
Aug 25, 2018

When should you stop investing in a friendship? ›

If your friend doesn't respect your feelings, it's an unhealthy relationship. Feeling anxious or negative in your friendship is a sign that it may be best to end it. Your friend is dishonest or holds back information. “Deep connections require trust,” Schmitt says.

Is it smart to buy a house with a friend? ›

Buying a house with a friend has a lot of benefits. It may be easier to qualify for a mortgage and you get to share all the monthly expenses, including utilities, maintenance or repair costs, and the mortgage payment. And unlike renting, you get to build equity as you pay down the loan.

What is a downside to raising money from friends and family? ›

Exchanging finance from friends and family in exchange for equity can be problematic as they may use their shares to take part in company decision-making. Even if you maintain a majority share the politics of decision-making may turn your relationship sour, particularly if you fail to consider their viewpoints.

What is the average angel round? ›

Individual angels usually invest between $5,000 and $150,000. A round of angel funding relies on more than one person. A typical round can bring in three to five different investors, with the total investment averaging between $100,000 and $250,000.

What is a typical angel round? ›

Angel rounds typically range from $25,000 to $1 million, and the money is typically used to help the startup get off the ground. In exchange for their investment, angel investors usually get equity in the company.

Is it better to have a financial advisor or do it myself? ›

Anyone can manage their own assets, but that doesn't mean you should. Most people will benefit from the knowledge and experience of a professional financial advisor, especially if they have a substantial amount of assets.

Is it worth it to have someone manage your 401k? ›

Getting professional help to manage a retirement account has been shown to increase 401(k) investors' returns. If your employer offers a match, be sure to contribute as much as you can to get the full match. It's important to educate yourself about investing and learn about rebalancing your portfolio.

Is it worth having a wealth manager? ›

Wealth management is actually crucial for not just protecting but growing the assets you've accumulated, so you can meet current financial goals and maybe even build a nest egg worth passing down to future generations.

How much do money managers charge to manage your money? ›

The average fee for a financial advisor generally comes in at about 1% of the assets they are managing. The more money you have invested, however, the lower the fee goes.

What financial advisors don t tell you? ›

12 Things Your Financial Advisor Doesn't Want You to Know
  • They are probably learning as they go. ...
  • They get paid to sell you more products and services. ...
  • There's a reason they want to see all your assets. ...
  • They can't legally make any promises. ...
  • You may be able to negotiate your fees. ...
  • The hard sell usually only benefits them.
Dec 8, 2022

What are the cons of a financial advisor? ›

Becoming a Financial Advisor
ProsCons
Unlimited earning potentialYou must develop a client base
Low start-up costsMarketing costs vary widely
Lifetime learningYou will never learn everything
Huge range of products + strategiesConsider a somewhat narrow focus
5 more rows

What is the average return from a financial advisor? ›

Industry studies estimate that professional financial advice can add between 1.5% and 4% to portfolio returns over the long term, depending on the time period and how returns are calculated.

Can I retire at 55 with 300K? ›

If you retire at 55, and the average life expectancy is around 87, then 300K will need to last you 30+ years.

Do millionaires use 401k? ›

But the number of 401(k) millionaires has dropped significantly, new data show. Fidelity Investments, one of the largest managers of workplace plans, said it had 299,000 401(k) millionaires at the end of 2022, a 32 percent drop from 442,000 a year earlier.

Do billionaires use 401k? ›

Plenty of millionaires and superrich people use 401(k) plans to build wealth. But they don't necessarily put all their eggs in one basket.

What is considered to be high net worth? ›

A high-net-worth individual (HNWI) is someone with liquid assets of at least $1 million. These individuals often seek the assistance of financial professionals to manage their money, and their high net worth often qualifies them for additional benefits and opportunities.

Do billionaires have wealth managers? ›

It takes a team of advisors, each with specific expertise in finance and law and often hand-picked by the client, to manage a billionaire's portfolio.

What is the minimum account size for wealth management? ›

Any minimums in terms of investable assets, net worth or other metrics will be set by individual wealth managers and their firms. That said, a minimum of $2 million to $5 million in assets is the range where it makes sense to consider the services of a wealth management firm.

What is the number one rule of money management? ›

If you spend more than you earn, you will never have anything to invest or save. As such, understanding how much you earn and how much you spend each month is the first step in achieving your financial goals.

What is a reasonable management fee? ›

The management fee varies but usually ranges anywhere from 0.20% to 2.00%, depending on factors such as management style and size of the investment. Investment firms that are more passive with their investments generally charge a lower fee relative to those that manage their investments more actively.

Is it worth paying 1% for a financial advisor? ›

Many financial advisers charge based on how much money they manage on your behalf, and 1% of your total assets under management is a pretty standard fee. But psst: If you have over $1 million, a flat fee might make a lot more financial sense for you, pros say. (Looking for a new financial adviser?

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