Question

Please discuss the following two scenarios: Both scenarios consist of a loan of $1000 on Jan.1 - to be paid back on Dec. 31. A is the lender and B is the debtor.

Scenario 1. On Nov. 7th, A calls B to see how he is doing. B says he is not doing well. A asks if B will be able to pay the $1000 on Dec. 31. B says probably not. A asks how much B will have and B says about $700. A tells B to pay him $700 on Dec. 31 and that he will not owe him the additional $300. A puts it in writing. On Dec. 31, B pays the agreed upon $700. Then on January 15th, A calls B and tells him that he wants the additional $300.

Scenario 2. Same situation, but on the Nov. 7th phone call, A tells B to pay him the $700 now and then he will not owe him the additional $300. It is put in writing. B pays $700 on Nov. 7th. Then on January 15th, A calls B and tells him that he wants to additional $300.

In which scenario can A get the additional $300? It could be in both scenarios, neither or one of them. What do you think?

Answer 1