My friend asked me to pay $1,600 for her son’s prom-night limo. Has the world gone mad?

The Moneyist

‘He is handsome and popular and has maintained good grades. My friend wanted to do something special.’

Published: June 25, 2025 at 5:45 a.m. ET

Dear Quentin,

A friend of mine, who is far from rich, has a son who is graduating from high school. He was co-captain of the school basketball team during his junior and senior years, and his team placed second in the state championships this year. He is handsome and popular and has maintained good grades. My friend wanted to do something special for him. 

She promised her son she would pay for a limousine ride to take him and his date to the senior prom. She put down $600 for a deposit, then asked if I could give her $1,600 to complete the payment. (She did not say what the ride included.) I said I did not have the money and suggested that maybe her son could share the ride with friends and split the cost.