My friend owes me money, but doesn't know?

just ask him he wont get mad if he is really ur freind

'Sounds like he misunderstood you and thought that you gave him a GPS as a gift. If there was no mention of him paying you back then you can't say that he owes you money because there was no agreement. It appears you're in a jam and you are starting to think it'd have been better if he could pay you back now especially because as you said yourself, you "really need that money". If you want it that bad, ask him. If you're concerned that you'll **** up the friendship because you think you might sound unreasonable then ask yourself how you'd feel if it were the other way around before deciding yes or no.

Next time you want a person to pay you back, let them know in the moment that they owe you in the future. Deciding later they owe you money makes you look like you're trying to use the past to help you in the present.

This may or may not be in agreement with your thoughts but you wanted opinions and that's mine on the subject.

Get into conversation about how your GPS is quite good what about his, then I'd personally say how do you have one again act all forgetful and dozy, he'll obviously say from you, and say oh yea I remeber that day I spent my last pennies on that was suppose to actually use that money on a birthday present!<<(say jokingly that would proberly be the best way, or sad could work too!) hopefully if he's kind he'll ask if he can pay you back :)

hope I'm a help!

Just ask him for money, I'm sure he will help you out if he has it. Don't bring up the gps though.

ask him very kindly " hey dude... you know how i bought you that GPS? Well i kind of need some money while things are tight. it would really help a lot.

say something like "remember the time i gave you money for the gps.. Can i please get paid back?but if not thats ok."