As hard times get harder, job losses mount, and banks get stingier with loans, chances are getting better are that a family member may ask you for financial help. Experts often warn about the dangers of lending money to family members and usually recommend treating any money given as a loan.As hard times get harder, job losses mount, and banks get stingier with loans, chances are getting better are that a family member may ask you for financial help. Experts often warn about the dangers of lending money to family members and usually recommend treating any money given as a loan.