Bud is unable to obtain a loan without some form of additional reassurances. Bud comes to you for assistance. You are willing to help bud, but you wish to protect yourself from liability as much as possible. Would you prefer a surety or a guaranty? The bank issuing the loan also wishes to protect itself as much as possible. Would the bank prefer a surety or guaranty? If your oral assurances are enough to solidify the loan, has a surety or guaranty been formed?