How money goes through fingers in shopping centres

Jewel_2

Hi there.

Thought I would share my story of how, although being really careful with Christmas shopping, money still 'disappeared' when I wasn't watching!!

1. Took my daughter into town centre, 25 miles round trip, so petrol money probably £5.

2. Went en route to T*** ARE U* and spent 25p to park the car for an hour.

3. Parked at shopping centre, 2 hours. £2.

4. Saw a women collecting for children with a short life expectancy, was going to throw some money in the box but there was a minimum of £2 donation, so paid as I was embarassed.

5. Big santa scene, with beautiful dogs. Daughter wanted to make a donation. 50p.

6. Hadn't taken any drink and daughter thirsty, bottle of water, £1.

7. Stopped at TE*** for lunch, both of us £3.75.

That's £14.50!!! For absolutely nothing (some disorganisation, granted).

I did save a lot of money on presents - bought some aftershave for partner (£24 reduced to £9.99 - didn't matter what kind!) and a skateboard which was less than £8!

BUT it would have probably been just as cheap on the internet.

I could have spent a lot more with people pestering me for this and that, and now that I am trying to be careful, I really notice the money grabbing so-and-so's!

melaniec_2

This is the same thing that happened to me on saturday. I was trying to fill in my spending diary and I can't acount for about £50, its rediculous. Money really does evapourate from my purse!

SunderlandBlackCat

I never carry cash to shopping centres any more, in fact I rarely carry cash at all anymore. I'm lucky enough to live within walking distance of my local shopping centre so unless I'm getting something too big to carry home I don't have to pay for parking & drinksetc don't become an issue either.

I do give to charities but I do it through the justgiving website so they can claim the tax back as well.

heppy23

Jewel wrote:

4. Saw a women collecting for children with a short life expectancy, was going to throw some money in the box but there was a minimum of £2 donation, so paid as I was embarassed.

Minimum donation? What's that all about? Unless it was for a badge or something where they can suggest a minimum donation it sounds dodgy to me.

What was the name of the charity?

nearlyrich

heppy23 wrote:

Minimum donation? What's that all about? Unless it was for a badge or something where they can suggest a minimum donation it sounds dodgy to me.

I thought that too!

They should have let you put a smaller amount in if they were at all charitable.

Jewel_2

It was entry to a raffle or something, where you had to fill in your details. Each ticket cost £2. I suppose had I been quick enough I would have offered to make a donation instead ......

sheraz2

You could have bought it on the net, but think about your daughter and the wonderful time she had. They have curious little minds that need feeding.

vyvyan_2

This is typical of why a spending diary has been invaluable for me to see where those 'bits of cash' vanish to.