My Personal Journey of Borrowing from Family and Friends
Introduction
Borrowing money from family and friends is something I’ve had to do more than once in my life. It’s not easy to ask for help, and it always comes with a mix of emotions—gratitude, anxiety, and sometimes even guilt. But looking back, these moments shaped my understanding of financial relationships and, ultimately, led to the creation of Pari.
The First Time I Needed Help
The first time I had to borrow money was when I transitioned from the Army to civilian life. After completing my service, I relocated to a new city to pursue my education. The transition wasn’t easy. I was trying to navigate life as a student, find a place to live, and adjust to an entirely different way of life. Financially, I was stretched thin. Between tuition, rent, and basic living expenses, I found myself needing support. My family and close friends stepped in, lending me money without hesitation. It was their generosity that helped me stay afloat.
The Second Time: Betting on My First Startup
Years later, I found myself in a similar situation—but this time, it wasn’t because I was in school. It was because I had just started my first company. Like many first-time founders, I believed in my vision so much that I put everything I had into it. Every dollar I made went straight into paying my employees first, ensuring that the business could survive and grow. That left me with nothing for rent. Once again, I had to turn to my friends and family for help. They believed in me, and they lent me the money I needed to keep going.
The Impact of These Experiences
These moments weren’t just about financial survival. They were about trust, relationships, and belief in one another. But they also came with stress—uncomfortable conversations, unclear repayment expectations, and that lingering feeling of being indebted to the people closest to me. This personal journey led me to the realization that borrowing from loved ones doesn’t have to feel this way. And that’s where Pari was born.
