Am I Just a Cheap Bastard? I don't want to round up or donate my change!

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

Same here. Cant add up to more than $20 a year can it ?

Lost opportunities tho'... dozens chances to be a meanie ... poof ... gone !

[gacook]

IF my kids are with me, it's always yes. Sets an example to help those who need help (in my opinion). Let's be honest, a few nickels and dimes isn't a big deal to most of us. But the message is a good one, and if enough of us are giving those nickels and dimes, maybe it does make a difference to some kid who needs it.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by gacook

IF my kids are with me, it's always yes. Sets an example to help those who need help (in my opinion). Let's be honest, a few nickels and dimes isn't a big deal to most of us. But the message is a good one, and if enough of us are giving those nickels and dimes, maybe it does make a difference to some kid who needs it.

You really think it goes to the kids or does it line their pockets first then the kids?

My answer has always been a big NO. Even if I was younger. Especially when I was younger.

I also hate those pop up things when you go and pay for fast food and they ask you press amount of tips right before you card is run. 15, 18, 20% for take our or fast food at a Micky D's?

[Sooner or later]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

Same here. Cant add up to more than $20 a year can it ?

I toss all my change in a bucket. I had several years of coins collected so I took it to the bank to be counted. Nearly $1000 that I donated to the local food bank.

[JackDidley]

Originally Posted by Sooner or later

I toss all my change in a bucket. I had several years of coins collected so I took it to the bank to be counted. Nearly $1000 that I donated to the local food bank.

Nice. I am pretty poor compared to most on here but I do ok compared to some out there. You clearly did a good thing. A thousand dollars would be hard for me to donate but a little here and there I do not miss.

[VINMAN]

A simple polite "no thank you" , goes a long way....

.

[Baz]

I can relate to the OP. These corporations that require their sales force to harass their customers are lame. In fact, I think I will make a call tomorrow and let them know just how lame they are in doing this.

They treat us like freaking sheep....

FWIW, I like to leave tips in person when I receive accommodations.

Today, for example, I picked up some take out at a drive in and tipped the girl $4.00 on a $7.47 invoice. I gave her $11 currency.....and then 5 dimes more......so she would get the full $4.

I have worked as a waiter and also delivered subs and pizzas in college and fully remember how nice it was when someone tipped me.

That does not happen when you "round it up".

Jackasses.....

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by gacook

IF my kids are with me, it's always yes. Sets an example to help those who need help (in my opinion). Let's be honest, a few nickels and dimes isn't a big deal to most of us. But the message is a good one, and if enough of us are giving those nickels and dimes, maybe it does make a difference to some kid who needs it.

Not the point here. You're actually setting a bad example. People need to look into how things work before tossing spare change around.

So, yes, I am a cynic. I can remember distinctly 2wice when I gave food to someone begging and they threw it away. Outside of a convenience store or fast food joint. They didn't want money to buy food.

End of story. I give nothing to anyone except if I actually have something of value I can donate to Goodwill. Last I checked, they had the highest value of dollars to charity vs. overhead (skimming in a lot of circumstances).

[smadsen]

Donor fatigue!

[herr_oberst]

I usually just say no.

It's a clever idea to ask for the extra change, and I respect whomever came up with it, but it's my choice, and I just usually turn down the opportunity.

[Baz]

Little thread drift......but related.......

My late Aunt Bobbie had a personal policy she didn't mind donating when she felt appropriate but wouldn't go past $5.

This way she was contributing but spreading it out.

Now....let's look at trash collectors (I call them the G-men) and if they get a tip at Christmas. I've always taken care of them because they take care of me. But I'm sure there are quite a few who don't give it a second thought.

There must be a several thousand residents they service each week. Let's say a thousand give $5. each. That adds up to $5K!

Interesting sometimes to run the numbers......

[sc_rufctr]

The collectors often make the mistake of trying to guilt someone into donating so I generally don't donate to charity when asked in public.
You should always feel good about donating. If not then don't.

I work for a local charity when I can. (5-10 hours a week)

You may be surprised at the "expenses" an organised charity accrues in normal day to day operations.

Years ago I was at official function and I met a lady that was running a charity in her name. I asked her who the beneficiaries were and she gave me a vague prepped answer about women who were at risk of violence. I don't know why but I almost immediately knew there was something off about her. And guess what, her charity turned out to be a sham!

[gacook]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Not the point here. You're actually setting a bad example. People need to look into how things work before tossing spare change around.

So, yes, I am a cynic. I can remember distinctly 2wice when I gave food to someone begging and they threw it away. Outside of a convenience store or fast food joint. They didn't want money to buy food.

End of story. I give nothing to anyone except if I actually have something of value I can donate to Goodwill. Last I checked, they had the highest value of dollars to charity vs. overhead (skimming in a lot of circumstances).

No offense, but I'm trying to raise my kids to NOT be cynical bastards like some of us here (myself included).

[island911]

Originally Posted by vash

i thank them for asking and say, "no, not at this time"

i bet they quit thinking about it the second i walk away. i do the same.

I go for; Oh, Thanks, but I'm trying to quit.

[rusnak]

Yes I donate. I like to keep those poverty stricken bastards down where they belong.

[911 Rod]

Let's say there is a homeless person outside of the store.
Which one do you pick?

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Let's say there is a homeless person outside of the store.
Which one do you pick?

I sure as heck will not give cash to the homeless. I saw a guy at an intersection begging for cash. The folks in front of me gave him some cash. He pulled out a wad of bills so big it hardly fit back in in jacket pocket. Lots of crack and boozes will be bought with that.

At one PCA breakfast we were downtown and a street bum, or I guess a "homeless" person came up begging for cash as were were standing by our cars about to leave. I pointed out the city homeless center is a few blocks down that road. Another member said the Catholic charity it three blocks up another road and another charity is a mile in another direction. He just cussed at us and walked off.

I have donated a lot to Sunbeam Family services here locally. They help people of all ages, and not just street bums, but people that had a fire at home and lost everything and need a few days to get back on their feet. They are professionals and truly help those that need help, not just a bottle of wine or a bottle of old Crow.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Baz

FWIW, I like to leave tips in person when I receive accommodations.

Today, for example, I picked up some take out at a drive in and tipped the girl $4.00 on a $7.47 invoice. I gave her $11 currency.....and then 5 dimes more......so she would get the full $4.

I have worked as a waiter and also delivered subs and pizzas in college and fully remember how nice it was when someone tipped me.

That does not happen when you "round it up".

Jackasses.....

Went out to dinner at one of our regular places Friday night.

Sebastian was our server.

Always great service and a fine young man.

Told us he was shipping out to Boot Camp in a couple of weeks.

Left him $100.00 on top of a $60.00 tab with a note that we were proud of him and 1st rounds on me for his departure party.

If they seem willing I always try to engage servers and learn a little about them and regularly leave personal notes on the receipt.

It takes very little effort to treat people with respect and dignity.

If I have a need to be grumpy and an ass I always have this place and you guys.

[island911]

Point ^ tummy-monk

[Baz]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

with a note that we were proud of him and 1st rounds on me for his departure party.

Class act, Scott.......thanks for sharing.

Writing a nice note like that might even mean as much or more than the money part for some!