Poverty is the only burden which is not lightened by being shared with others.

Most troubles get lighter when other people carry part of them. Being short of money does not work that way, because what is needed is money rather than sympathy, and the friend who understands best usually has no more of it than you do. That is part of what makes it isolating: being understood does not reduce the problem by a penny.

If you have room to help, help with the specific thing rather than the feeling: a bill, a shop, a loan you do not mention again. And if you are the one short, asking plainly for a particular amount is easier for everyone than hinting.