AITA for lying to my friends about how much money I’ve saved for our trip?
The dream of Amsterdam’s canals and vibrant streets lit up the eyes of an 18-year-old, who juggled three jobs to save 800 euros for a group trip. But when his buddies barely scraped together pocket change, he fibbed about his own savings, claiming just 250 euros. He wasn’t wrong to suspect they’d lean on him—his gut screamed they’d treat him like an ATM.
When a clumsy phone fumble revealed his true bank balance, the air turned sour. His friends, stung by the lie, demanded loans to boost their trip funds, but he held firm, eyeing new shoes instead. Now, with the trip on the brink of collapse and friendships fraying, was his white lie a savvy move or a betrayal? This tale dives into trust, money, and the messy bonds of youth.
‘AITA for lying to my friends about how much money I’ve saved for our trip?’
Lying about money to avoid being a friend’s piggy bank? It’s a tough call, but this teen’s instincts weren’t wrong. He worked tirelessly, sacrificing sleep for three jobs to save 800 euros, while his friends barely mustered 450 euros combined. Their quick pivot to asking for loans after his accidental bank balance reveal proves his caution was spot-on. Still, the lie stung, turning a dream trip into a friendship feud.
The clash highlights a broader issue: financial boundaries among friends. A 2021 survey by Bankrate found 42% of young adults have lost friendships over money disputes, often due to mismatched expectations. Dr. Irene Levine, a psychologist specializing in friendships, notes, “Money can strain relationships when transparency and fairness aren’t prioritized”. Here, the teen’s lie stemmed from distrust, fueled by his friends’ minimal effort. Their sense of entitlement, expecting loans without clear repayment plans, justifies his wariness.
Honesty could’ve been a better first step—setting clear expectations about everyone pulling their weight. Instead, the lie backfired, escalating tensions. Moving forward, he should consider a frank talk with his friends, outlining that his savings are for his own trip experience, not their shortfall. If the trip falls apart, a solo adventure might be wiser, avoiding moochers. To prevent future drama, he could propose shared budgeting apps or written agreements for group plans.
Here’s the comments of Reddit users:
Reddit’s got some spicy opinions on this money mess, and they’re not holding back. Check out these candid takes from the community on whether this teen was in the wrong.
![[Reddit User] - NTA. Ditch the friends and go on the trip by yourself.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/290583e-01.png)
![[Reddit User] - NTA. You never have to tell your friends how much money actually have, for the very reason you were concerned. In fact the more money you have, the less information you should reveal. There’s nothing wrong with being generous when you want to, but anyone who demands it, isn’t really a friend.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/290583e-04.png)
![[Reddit User] - NTA. They proved you right. You didn’t want to tell them because they were going to ask you for money and then as soon as they found out they asked for money. All that said, I’ve only borrowed money once from a friend while travelling when a scholarship didn’t some through on time. I would have been homeless had he not helped me. Otherwise I would never ask for money for a trip.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/290583e-08.png)
These Redditors are fired up, but do their takes match real-world friendship dynamics?
This teen’s lie wasn’t about deceit—it was about protecting his hard-earned cash from friends who didn’t match his hustle. While the truth’s exposure blew up their Amsterdam plans, it also exposed shaky trust. Was he wrong to fib, or were his friends too quick to demand a handout? Money and mates can be a tricky mix—what would you do if your friends expected you to bankroll their fun? Drop your stories and thoughts below!
