I'm not being a jerk. I'm being real. If you weren't so soft, you'd know the difference and appreciate it.

I mean, how is this going to help him in any way? Ok, if you're not being a jerk, then you're being inconsiderate. You don't have the slightest clue what his financial situation is, so you are in no position to dictate how much $500 is worth to him. And if I'm soft, being inconsiderate doesn't make you "hard".

This is your perspective. Mine differs from experience. The amount of help achieved is not up to the one advising, but to the one receiving. If the OP chooses to see my original response as a positive kick in the pants, then he will. And he will pick himself back off the floor and become stronger for it. Which is what I expect. On the other hand, people such as yourself, can view it as if I'm a jerk or inconsiderate. Either way, I stand behind my words and I will not change them. But these are two perspectives. In the life I have been dealt, losing $500 because of an asshole stealing it is an easy day. I can't afford it. Heck, even buying an Xbox one for $400 was a big deal to me. But at the end of the day, if everyone is still alive and not slowly dying in front of me of a fatal illness. Well then, that's a hell of a good day. Money comes and goes. Material items are acquired and lost. Just remember, it is not the tragedies that befall us in life which define us. But how we respond that truly defines our depth of character and will power.