Jim Carter, a classmate of yours, is preparing to launch an e-commerce company to sell home repair guidebooks, tools, how-to videos, and related material for home repair and remodeling projects.

He just told you that he talked to his paternal grandmother over the weekend, and she has agreed to lend him $25,000 to launch the firm. When you asked Jim what arrangements he has made with his grandmother to formalize the loan, he looked puzzled and said, “She plans to send me a check in a week or so—she just needs to get the money out of her savings account.” Jim seemed concerned by the worried look on your face and said, “Tell me what you’re thinking. I really want to do the right thing here.”

What would you say to Jim?