Dear Ann Landers,
Last year we loaned some money to friends. They promised to pay back $25 a month. We would not accept interest. For three months they paid the $25, then the payments stopped. Four months have gone by, and we haven't had so much as a phone call. Apparently they are ashamed to face us. It is sad that we have lost their friendship because we did them a favor. It is also sad that we are out several hundred dollars. How should such a request be han-dled in the future?-Spilled Milk

Dear Spilled,
Don't make personal loans. Suggest that the loan be made from a bank. Offer to be a cosigner. You may still get stuck (as the cosigner), but your chances are infinitely better if the "reminders" come from a bank and not a friend.