How to remind someone about money without the awkwardness

A reminder does not have to be awkward. Keep it calm and you avoid pointless tension. Five phrases that work and three mistakes that ruin it.

Why we avoid it

Bringing up money is one of those uncomfortable things. You worry about looking petty, or that the other person takes it the wrong way. So you stay quiet – and quietly build up resentment instead.

Often there is nothing behind it but plain forgetting.

5 phrases that work

1. "Hey, just flagging that lunch from last time. So it doesn't slip our minds." 2. "Want me to send you my account number for the pizza?" 3. "Could you check the record in Pucheeto, so we both know where we stand?" 4. "Quick reminder about the concert tickets. No rush, just so we don't forget." 5. "Does this week work for you, or would later be easier?"

No reproach, no pressure. A short message, not a demand letter.

3 mistakes that ruin it

• ❌ **Bringing it up in front of others.** One to one always lands better.
• ❌ **Passive aggression.** *"I'm short on money too right now, just saying…"* never works.
• ❌ **Waiting half a year.** Three small things are easier to sort now than one big amount later.

One last tip

When the agreement is recorded in Pucheeto, you don't have to dig around for the amount, the date or what exactly you agreed on. You open the record and refer to what's in it.