As our Tame The Bear community continues to grow, we figured it’d be good to start hearing your stories and ideas from the front-lines of the recession.

So let’s begin: How do you ask your parents for money? and alternatively, How much are you asking for?

I’ll kick things off:

I’m not going to lie. My folks are one of several investors in this little operation called Tame The Bear, along with a guy named Tony “The Shovel” Santini, who’s actually a lot gentler than his name would suggest.

But I remember after college, it would be a long, sustained effort that would span a month or two, much like a “long con” (mom, if you’re reading this, sorry, but it’s true.)

I’d focus on something that’s bugging both of them, which at the time happened to be a nagging leak in the house roof. Of course, they never really got around to permanently fixing it, so I’d take it upon myself to find a good roofer, get the estimate approved by my dad, and have him finish the work in a single afternoon. (Correction, a “shingle” afternoon.)

With this nagging problem off their back, I was in a strong position to make the next move: The ask.

I’d show my dad credit card statements of how/where I’m spending my money, and if there are more beneficial things I could be spending it on (such as a Rosetta Stone “Learn Portuguese” pack… I’m coming for you, my Brazilian bride!)

Yeah, it’s sucking up, but the more subtle and natural, the less likely I’d get a flat-out “No.”

Imagine these people are investors that you want money from. You have to pack a convincing case to get what you want, and not just “Hey ma, give me $200. For what? Uh… Did you lose weight?”

Share your own wisdom in the comments!

Tags: family