Family and money. We all know that mixing the two can reveal a lethal combination. Sometimes it’s fine, you can successfully borrow money from Grandma Sue or Auntie Paula, and sometimes it causes financial and emotional distress.

Before hitting up those you know for a little doe, take into consideration the following:

Will the Loan Really Help You: Sure, in theory it’s great: you borrow some money and pay off all your debt. But, in reality, borrowing more money may do just the opposite: it may further leave you in over your head. Before you solicit funds from those you know, make sure you will actually use them wisely.

For example, borrowing money to pay your essential debt, such as mortgage or medical bills, is understandable; borrowing money so you can afford your 900 dollar monthly payment on your fully loaded Hummer is not.

Can they Afford a Loan: Asking for a loan from someone you know is by no means a sure thing: they might not have the funds to help you. With expenses and possible debt of their own, you might find it’s harder to get a loan from your parents and siblings than it is from your bank.

For this reason, if they reject you or hesitate, don’t push the issue. Making them go into debt just to get you out of it will only result in resentment.

Will it Hinder your Relationship: Just as there is a mantra about mixing business and friendships, there is also one about mixing money and loved ones. In short, it’s not always a good idea. Money has a way of bringing out a different side of people. You may borrow money from a best friend only to watch them - after you’ve taken too long in paying them back - become you’re worst enemy.

Will you Forever be Indebted: We all have that one relative who constantly reminds us about everything they’ve ever done to help us out. If your Great Aunt Sally is still reminiscing about how she picked up your dry cleaning during the great snow storm of 1982, she might not be the best person to borrow from. If you’re going to be indebted even after the debt is paid off, it’s probably not even worth the hassle.

Will you Have to Pay them Back Immediately: Whenever you borrow money from someone, there must be some sort of reimbursement plan. It’s important to figure this out before the money is borrowed. For example, will your lenders expect you to pay them back right away, or will they be willing to wait until you’re back on your feet? Will your lenders charge you interest? Will they want you to make monthly payments or pay them back in full? It’s important to figure out a repayment plan before the money is borrowed. Not only does this assure that your lender is repaid, but it also decreases the chance of hard feelings.

Will There be Another Way to Pay them Back: Sometimes, a lender you know may even be willing to lend you money and allow you to pay them back in a way that is not necessarily monetary. If your lender owns a business, perhaps you can work it off. If your lender is your parents, perhaps they can deduct it from any inheritance you may eventually have. If your lender wants their house painted, perhaps you can do that for them. Some lenders may simply want their money back and others may be willing to get creative.

Borrowing money from friends or relatives can be a great thing: it might allow you to become debt free without the hassle of high interest rates and monthly due dates. But, on the flip side, it involves a whole set of emotions that don’t come with more conventional ways of borrowing. For this reason, it’s important to weigh all factors before asking anyone you know for a financial helping hand.