When a loved one is struggling financially, take a pause before deciding to help and consider whether the problem is temporary or pervasive, and whether they have a plan for avoiding the same pitfalls in the future.
If you do decide to help, make sure you have a clear agreement between you and the person about the form of help, such as loan or gift, and any terms for repayment.
If you want to give the person something outright, consider giving them cash, paying one of their bills directly, or providing them with non-cash assistance, like gift cards, or certain resources they need.
Consider providing them with a job, if you're able to, or help them to create a bill-paying plan or to access local resources like career counseling or training programs.
If you want to help them with a loan, consider whether you want to make a personal loan or to co-sign a loan they are seeking from a bank or other financial institution.