How to politely decline financial assistance?
"It's my pleasure to help people like you. Thank you for offering but sorry I am not doing this for money." You should thank them for the offering and say sorry for not being able to accept it.
Just say no, and stick to that one simple and final answer. DON'T EXPLAIN OR MAKE EXCUSES. When you say no, don't offer explanations or excuses. Doing so only opens the door to a discussion and prompts your friend or family member to try to overcome your objections.
"No, thank you. I would appreciate it if you accepted my choice." "I know that's challenging for you, but I don't have the capacity to help you at the moment." "I can't help, but I have some resources I can forward to you."
- “I won't be able to give (or lend) at this time.”
- “It's not feasible in our family finances to help.”
- “We're not comfortable co-signing for you.”
First things first, acknowledge their thoughtfulness.
Instead of saying, “You didn't have to do that” say something like, “That was so thoughtful of you. Thank you for offering.” Then, you can decide how you want to handle the remainder of the conversation (accepting the gift or not) on a more positive note.
Start by thanking them for the invitation and acknowledging that you would love to attend. Then follow it up by saying, “Unfortunately, right now is just not the time.” Try to avoid using apologetic or overly apologetic language like, “I'm so sorry, I can't do that.
If you do want to explain that you simply can't afford something, keep it short and to the point. There's no need to explain your entire financial situation: a simple “I'm afraid I just can't afford it at this time” is enough. Finally, don't feel pressured to make a decision on the spot.
Accentuate the positive.
Appreciate the opportunity and still say no. Say: “I'm glad that we work closely enough that you feel you could ask me this. I'm sorry I can't help you this time—I have a couple other deadlines I have to meet.”
I'm sorry, but I don't want to share that information. I don't mean to be rude, but I don't want to answer that question. In more casual situations, you can replace "I'm sorry" with "No offense."
"I appreciate your invitation, but I won't be able to make it this time. I hope it's a wonderful event." By saying “this time” in your response, you're letting the host know that you'd like to attend their next function, something that can help keep the door open.
How do I politely say I can't help?
Firmly and politely let the person know you don't feel comfortable helping them with that personal/private of an ask. You can also do the 'tried and true' passive method of just telling the person you're not available to help and ghosting them.
- I'm a bit low on funds.
- I'm a bit short on cash at the moment.
- I'm broke.
- I can't afford it.
- I'm strapped for cash.
Keep it simple and positive. Just say something along the lines of, “I'm so sorry to miss out on the fun, but X isn't in my budget right now. But I'm so happy for you, and I'd love to celebrate in another way!”
It's best to say something about how you appreciate the offer, but now is not the right time, and you will reach out when the time comes. This allows you to buy time and puts you back in control.
- Thanks for thinking of me. I can't right now/I can't make it/I can't attend.
- I'm at capacity right now, so I will decline. Thanks for understanding.
- No, not at this time.
So it was pretty easy to say no. Just say, “I really appreciate you offering to pay, but I'd really like to pay for my own meal.” If they ask why, you can tell them that it makes you uncomfortable, or you'd just like to be able to cover your meal, or whatever your reason is.
“I can't this time, but once I'm done saving for ___, I'd love to.” “Money is a bit tight at the moment, so I'll skip brunch this time.”
Instead of pressuring them, step back and say something like, “Thank you for sharing how you feel. I understand how it feels to be interested in a product or service you really like but feel you can't afford it.” By showing empathy, you reduce the pressure off your customer and start to build trust.
"It's my pleasure to help people like you. Thank you for offering but sorry I am not doing this for money." You should thank them for the offering and say sorry for not being able to accept it.
Speak directly with the requestor or your manager and propose some creative alternative solutions. You can let them know that “financial assistance would be helpful at this time,” without going into detail.
What's another way to say not making enough money?
You can also say that someone is penniless. This is slightly more formal than poor. At the time, I was a penniless student. The word impoverished can be used to describe a person or area that is extremely poor.
- "I'm too busy today. ...
- "I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that. ...
- "I'm feeling overwhelmed with work right now, so I'm going to have to take a raincheck."
- "I'm not qualified to help with that project."
- "That sounds really fun, but I won't be able to make it."
Explanation: Graciously means “in a kind and polite manner.” It's ridiculous to state that you're accepting or declining something kindly and politely. It's not that you can't do things graciously. By all means, whether you're accepting or declining, do it graciously.
There has been a steady decrease in the number of visitors. A fall in the price of petrol is unlikely. There's been a sharp fall-off in demand for the product since the company's scandal broke. There has been a slight falling-off in public sector employment growth.
Dear [name/Sir or Madam], I am writing to thank you for your email and to inform you that we gave our careful consideration to your proposal. Unfortunately, we have to turn down the sales offer. We want you to know that it does not reflect our unwillingness to work with you.
