Always Take The Money.
I will in the future definitely write some posts regarding financial (and other) matters when co-operating with people.
Today let me just tell you: whenever anyone offers you money (that you are now or in the future entitled to), do not hesitate, but take it.
A couple of years ago, a guy I knew was supposed to move in with me and share my house for two months. January I paid the rent, and told him to pay the rent for February (directly to the landlord), since I knew I would be abroad. He said he was okay with that, but would also not have a problem paying his share for January on the spot.
After just ten days, he moved out, because he found a more conveniently located place. I told him that we had agreed on two months, but that I would be nice and charge him for the first month only. He felt insulted and could not understand why he should pay for one month. (When we had agreed to two months!)
To this day, I have not seen the money. Had I taken his January share, he would have had to make me understand why I should partially refund him. Now I have to waste time and energy to get the money that he owes me.
The importance of writing a contract when dealing with other people is a topic to be covered at a later date.
© Patrice Schneider. No reproduction without prior written consent.
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