Contributed to Nasdaq

2 Signs Your Friends Are Using You for Money

Nasdaq, a global financial authority known for its in-depth personal finance and market insights, featured my commentary in an article addressing a surprisingly common issue: recognising when friends may be taking advantage of you financially.

In the piece, I shared that one of the clearest warning signs is a recurring pattern where friends involve you in their financial requests or emergencies without offering the same level of support in return.

I highlighted that when your interactions become predominantly monetary — or when someone shows interest in your life only when it relates to money — it’s often a sign the relationship has turned transactional.

Drawing from years of guiding individuals through financial challenges, I emphasised the importance of setting boundaries early, learning to say no, and assessing whether a friendship genuinely values you beyond your wallet.

These habits not only protect your finances but also help you maintain healthier, more authentic relationships.

Important: The information and opinions in this article are for general information purposes only. They should not be relied on as professional financial advice. Readers should seek unbiased financial advice that is customised to their specific financial objectives, situations & needs. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Published By:

Muhammad Firdaus Syazwani

I’m Firdaus Syazwani – founder of Dollar Bureau and a licensed financial advisor with a mission to make personal finance simple, practical, and empowering.

My journey into financial planning started from a place many can relate to: navigating confusing jargon, sales-driven pitches, and conflicting advice. I wanted to cut through the noise, so I dedicated myself to learning the ins and outs of insurance, investments, and financial planning – not just from textbooks, but through real-world experience helping individuals and businesses make informed money decisions.

Over the years, I’ve built Dollar Bureau into a trusted platform read by up to 30,000 Singaporeans every month, known for its clear, unbiased breakdowns of complex financial products. My insights have also been featured in media outlets like Channel News Asia, Today Online, Yahoo Finance, and Nasdaq.

But something was still missing. While writing articles and building tools helped many, I knew that every person’s financial story is unique – just like mine was. 

I wanted to go deeper. To sit down with people. Understand their goals. And actually guide them through the big life decisions – step by step.

That’s why I decided to become a licensed financial advisor. So that I can sit down with individuals like you, listen to your stories, and work together to create financial plans that truly reflect your life goals.

Today, I combine that knowledge with my work as a financial advisor to help you build personalised, sustainable financial plans. Whether it’s protecting your family with the right insurance, optimising your investments for long-term growth, or planning for retirement, my approach is straightforward: Finding you the best-suited solutions.

Book a free 30-minute chat with me here: https://tidycal.com/firdaus-syazwani/30-minute-meeting

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