Rule one……never loan what you can’t afford to loose.

Rule 2…..get a written and legal document.

Rule 3……never lend to family. Either give it willingly or forget it.

Rule 4…..trust me…..your parents sacrificed far more than you can ever re-pay. A cell phone is a luxery. Back off.

Consider this a cheap education — it cost me a lot more to learn the lesson that most people don’t repay loans. When they’re in need, they’ll promise you the moon. As soon as the problem is fixed, you get excuses and promises that never come true. Sometimes, when you’re lucky, you get half the amount back back, but after that, they consider you repaid. That’s why I rarely loan money these days, but if I do, I get a signed note.
You COULD take her to Small Claims Court at additional time and expense, but even if you get a judgment against her, you can’t enforce it without going through a lot of extra trouble. So my advice is forget it and tell yourself you won’t make that mistake again. Then get on with your life.

Have you spoken to her and told her you need it back? That would be my first step.

Honestly, speaking to her boss or your former employer will do nothing but embarrass her and will be of no gain to you. They cannot help. Plus, embarrasing her will not help her want to pay you any.

When you speak to her, if she kinda blows it off, suggest a repayment schedule, like 100$ a cheque or something.

Due to the amount of the loan, I don’t see how a lawyer will help either. Most lawyers will charge you $500.00 just for meeting with you and reviewing your case. You could take her to small claims court yourself though. The forms are relatively easy to fill out and the atmosphere is much less formal than other courts. Go to your local courthouse, a clerk there will be able to give you the forms and some help on filling them out. As I often find with small claims, she may pay the minute you serve her with the papers, people just put things off over and over and then, once served with the papers realize this is business and money. Also, the burden of proof in small claims court is minimal. If you are not old enough to file a small claim your father can do it on your behalf.

Good luck…and remember, only loan money to friends and family that you can safely expect never to get back.

Edit: I can understand where the first answerer is coming from, but on the flipside, you are her child, how could she take $500.00 of your hard earned money and not pay it back…do NOT feel guilty about expecting the money back, after all, that was the deal when she got it right? It is supposed to be parents lending money to their kids knowing they will never get it back, not the other way round.

Most of all…be kind to your mother, as if she is a good mother, it is probably already killing her that she had to ask you for the money and now can’t pay you back.

I don’t know how old you are but if you can’t help your Mom save her house then……..you owe her. But then again if she is in that much trouble it’s probably only a matter of time till she loses it anyhow. Be generous. Otherwise never look to any children you may have to help you out.

Threaten to bust her kneecaps

I am going to be completely honest with you, and hope you don’t get angry, I am just telling you my honest opinion.

She is your mother… how much money do you think she dished out for you over the years??? If you speak to her boss at work, she could get fired, then you would never see your money. Seeking a lawyer over $500 will end up costing you way more. How could the family that gave you the money in the first place help?

If she is not paying you back, there is probably a reason. Try talking to her about it. If your dad is willing to help you out, accept his help. Don’t get your mom into trouble at work. Also, if there was no written agreement about re-payment of the “loan” then there is not much that you would be legally able to do.