30 Good Excuses for Not Giving Money

Money matters can often be a touchy subject, and at times, it becomes necessary to find creative and diplomatic ways to decline requests for financial assistance. While it’s important to be honest, delivering your message tactfully is equally crucial to maintain relationships.

In this article, we’ll explore 30 clever excuses you can use when you find yourself in a tight spot and need to decline a money request.

List Of Good Excuses for Not Giving Money

• Till the next paycheck, I got nothing
• I should be asking you
• It’s that time of the month
• Looks like you are in the mood for jokes
• You ask like you don’t know how things are
• I think you should ask Kim. She might be able to help
• Things are a bit tight right now. Bills are going up and there is very little to spare
• If I had that kinda money, I’d be eating pizza right now
• Haha, tell that to a guy who’s not living off free samples
• I’d like a bucket of wings too, but I guess we can’t all get what we want, can we?
• Maybe next time. This is my last 5 dollars and I have to get some medication
• Sorry, I need to bail Amy. You know how she can be.
• If I put my card in an ATM, the machine will sputter
• I was this close to selling my car, I’m in the red, sorry buddy
• I just went grocery shopping for the month. I am all out.
• I’m the definition of “insufficient funds” right now
• I’m low on greenbacks if ya catch my drift
• I am actually on a budget
• Chances are I won’t get it back and it’s a pretty big sum
• You still owe me from last time. Remember?
• Just checked my wallet, and it’s echoing in there.
• If my bank account were a movie, it’d be a tragedy right now.
• My wallet is on a diet – it’s lost a lot of weight.
• Planning a vacation? My bank account says, “Staycation, please!”
• I’m not broke; I’m just pre-rich for next month.
• My financial status: currently on a relationship break with money.
• Considering a career in juggling because balancing my budget is not working.
• Money talks, but mine is whispering sweet nothings right now.
• I’m in the “wait for the sale” phase of life.
• My bank balance is like a magic trick – now you see it, now you don’t.

1. Till the next paycheck, I got nothing

Sometimes, honesty is the best policy. Admitting to a temporary financial constraint can help set expectations and convey sincerity. You might say, “I’m stretching until my next paycheck; can we catch up after that?”

2. I should be asking you

Turn the tables with humor. Playfully suggesting that the person asking might be the better financial advisor can lighten the mood. Respond with, “You’re the expert! I should be asking you for financial advice.”

3. It’s that time of the month

Blame it on the timing. Mentioning that it’s the end of the month can be a subtle way to convey financial strain without going into details. “It’s that time of the month, you know how it is.”

4. Looks like you are in the mood for jokes

Injecting humor into the conversation can be a good deflector. Respond with, “Looks like you’re in the mood for jokes – my wallet certainly thinks so!”

5. You ask like you don’t know how things are

Gently pointing out that the asker might be oblivious to your current situation is a diplomatic way to decline. Try saying, “You ask like you don’t know how things are right now.”

6. I think you should ask Kim. She might be able to help

Suggesting an alternative source for help can divert the request without outright refusal. Say, “Kim might be in a better position to assist you right now.”

7. Things are a bit tight right now. Bills are going up and there is very little to spare

Expressing concern about rising expenses is a straightforward way to explain financial difficulties. Say, “Things are tight; bills are going up, and there’s very little to spare.”

8. If I had that kinda money, I’d be eating pizza right now

Comparing the requested amount to something more indulgent injects humor. Say, “If I had that kind of money, I’d be eating pizza right now!”

9. Haha, tell that to a guy who’s not living off free samples

Playfully suggesting that your budget is restricting you to free samples adds humor to your refusal. Say, “Tell that to a guy not living off free samples!”

10. I’d like a bucket of wings too, but I guess we can’t all get what we want, can we?

Expressing a shared desire for something extravagant emphasizes the universality of budget constraints. Say, “I’d love a bucket of wings too, but we can’t all get what we want, can we?”

11. Maybe next time. This is my last 5 dollars and I have to get some medication

Prioritizing essential needs is a valid reason. You can say, “Maybe next time; my last $5 is reserved for necessary medication.”

12. Sorry, I need to bail Amy. You know how she can be.

Blaming financial constraints on other commitments can help deflect without causing discomfort. Say, “Sorry, I need to bail Amy; you know how she can be.”

13. If I put my card in an ATM, the machine will sputter

Injecting a bit of humor while explaining the lack of funds is a lighthearted way to decline. Say, “If I put my card in an ATM, the machine will sputter!”

14. I was this close to selling my car, I’m in the red, sorry buddy

Exaggerating your financial situation with a touch of humor can help convey the severity of your condition. Say, “I was this close to selling my car; I’m in the red, sorry buddy.”

Read Also: Other Ways to Say “Let The Good Times Roll”

15. I just went grocery shopping for the month. I am all out.

Highlighting recent expenses like groceries can justify the inability to provide financial assistance. Say, “Just did the monthly grocery shopping; I’m all out right now.”

16. I’m the definition of “insufficient funds” right now

Using financial terms humorously can soften the blow. Say, “I’m the definition of ‘insufficient funds’ right now; can’t help you out.”

17. I’m low on greenbacks if ya catch my drift

Infusing a bit of slang can add a casual touch while indicating a shortage of money. Say, “I’m low on greenbacks if ya catch my drift; can’t spare any.”

18. I am actually on a budget

Being upfront about being on a budget is a straightforward and honest way to decline. Say, “I’m actually on a budget right now, can’t swing it.”

19. Chances are I won’t get it back and it’s a pretty big sum

Expressing concerns about the repayment aspect is a valid excuse. Say, “Chances are I won’t get it back, and it’s a pretty big sum.”

20. You still owe me from last time. Remember?

Reminding the person of an outstanding debt can be an assertive way to decline a new request. Say, “You still owe me from last time, remember?”

21. If my bank account were a movie, it’d be a tragedy right now.

Using a metaphor to describe your financial situation adds a creative flair to your excuse. Say, “If my bank account were a movie, it’d be a tragedy right now.”

22. My wallet is on a diet – it’s lost a lot of weight.

Injecting humor by personifying your wallet can make your excuse more entertaining. Say, “My wallet is on a diet; it’s lost a lot of weight.”

23. Planning a vacation? My bank account says, “Staycation, please!”

Using a play on words can add a witty touch to your excuse. Say, “Planning a vacation? My bank account says, ‘Staycation, please!'”

24. I’m not broke; I’m just pre-rich for next month.

Flipping the narrative with optimism can soften the refusal. Say, “I’m not broke; I’m just pre-rich for next month.”

25. My financial status: currently on a relationship break with money.

Using humor to portray your relationship with money adds a light-hearted touch. Say, “My financial status: currently on a relationship break with money.”

26. Considering a career in juggling because balancing my budget is not working.

Comparing financial management to a juggling act can add a humorous spin to your excuse. Say, “Considering a career in juggling; balancing my budget is not working.”

27. Money talks, but mine is whispering sweet nothings right now.

Utilizing a saying with a twist can make your excuse more memorable. Say, “Money talks, but mine is whispering sweet nothings right now.”

28. I’m in the “wait for the sale” phase of life.

Connecting your financial state to a common experience, like waiting for a sale, can be relatable. Say, “I’m in the ‘wait for the sale’ phase of life.”

29. My bank balance is like a magic trick – now you see it, now you don’t.

Using imagery to describe the volatility of your bank balance adds a creative touch. Say, “My bank balance is like a magic trick; now you see it, now you don’t.”

30. My wallet is in stealth mode – invisible and out of action.

Employing a playful metaphor for your wallet being in “stealth mode” adds a humorous touch. Say, “My wallet is in stealth mode – invisible and out of action.”

Conclusion

Navigating requests for financial assistance can be tricky, but employing these creative excuses allows you to decline with humor and tact. Remember, communication is key, and being honest about your situation while maintaining a light-hearted tone can help preserve relationships.

The next time you find yourself in a financial pinch, these excuses can be your go-to guide for gracefully declining money requests.