Money Moral Dilemma: Should I contribute to my grandfather's new garden?

MSE_Sarah

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My grandfather is celebrating his 80th birthday this year and the family have decided to pay for a complete garden makeover costing thousands to which we have all been asked to contribute. While this is a lovely idea and sure to bring him some pleasure he lives in a council-owned property and has refused multiple times over the years to purchase it. My question is, should I contribute to improve this property which arguably will benefit its next tenant far more than my grandfather who is already getting on a bit?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

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Petaldust

I've got news for you, sunshine. One of my grandparents turns 94 this week. Don't be so presumptuous about how little time your grandpa may get from this - and don't be so tight.

ViolaLass

Yes, if you want to. No, if you don't want to.

Red-Squirrel_2

What a weird question!

chesky

What would you get him instead?

Aylesbury_Duck

chesky wrote: »

What would you get him instead?

A coffin or headstone, presumably.

Marvel1

I find these cheeky not the op but others asking (demanding) to contribute their share.

onlyroz

"I didn't get you anything for your 80th grandpa because, let's face it, you'll be dead soon so what's the point."

boliston

It sounds like you come from a wealthy family that can afford thousands on birthday gifts!

Ames

People don't actually think this is real, do they? I thought we'd agreed ages ago that the MMDs are made up, hence them always having a slightly unpalatable money saving/value for money angle.

If this were real, I'd say that the family need to contact the council. They'll probably need permission, the work will need to be carried out by professionals, and it may have to be put back to how it was if/when the grandad moves out. At least, those are the rules for internal improvements where I live, I assume it's the same for external work.

gettingtheresometime

Ames wrote: »

People don't actually think this is real, do they? I thought we'd agreed ages ago that the MMDs are made up, hence them always having a slightly unpalatable money saving/value for money angle.

If this were real, I'd say that the family need to contact the council. They'll probably need permission, the work will need to be carried out by professionals, and it may have to be put back to how it was if/when the grandad moves out. At least, those are the rules for internal improvements where I live, I assume it's the same for external work.

My opinion on these mmd is that there's an element of real posts, if they haven't been lifted from real posts, in them.

I wish they'd stop posting them though....if I'm correct it's a lazy way of filling up these boards & it's pointless in posting them as no background or follow up info can be given in them.