"Bad News Doesnt Get Better With Time"

No time is better for bad news then the present. Problems don't fix themselves and you might be looking for that soft opening to prepare them for the inevitable. Or, on the other hand letting someone know they should come clean with their bad news because the problem ain't gonna fix itself.

"Before You Start To Bang Your Cup"

...............In other words "before you ask me for money." Not to be used as a subtle stepping off point, but rather a clear acknowledgement that their request for money is either repetitive or just plain not right under the circumstances and the likelihood of them getting the money isn't too good.