Money Moral Dilemma: Should I use work perk towards household food shopping, or keep it for myself?

MovingForwards

Whenever I've had vouchers, or the option to pick what vouchers I want from work, I tell my OH and ask what we should do with them; I'm always told to keep them for me as they're work related and I've put the graft in.

If it's a single voucher it goes into the household pot.

If I can pick vouchers, I always select some for me and some for OH, then we both get a 'treat'.

This works for us, but may not do so for others.

Only you can decide what to do with them and how your OH would respond finding out. Perhaps they will think like my OH or maybe think like others who've replied.

gingercordial

Surprised you can spend it wherever. I also get a daily lunch allowance (because our other office has a subsidised canteen) but it can only be spent at specified lunch providers and doesn't build up if you don't spend it each day. That way HMRC allows it as tax-free as equivalent to having a canteen. It absolutely should be taxable if it is just a lump sum to spend every month wherever you like.

In my case the best I can do for my partner is to take him the occasional packet of crisps home if I don't use it all, but in the OP's case I would be spending it at the supermarket on stuff for lunches for us both.

arnoldy

Oh dear, oh dear, you see it all the time when the couple are a "couple" but are not when it comes to ££s. Endless algorithms and rules as to who pays for what and how much, more amendments than the American constitution when someone earns more or less. 

And then arguments about splitting a second class postage between 2 when its 73p.

Just have one account, a joint account & if you earn it put it in. If you need it take it out. Simples. Called being a  relationship/marriage.

anotheruser

Are you in a partnership?
Because if you're questioning this, you should be questioning that.


And I'm not sure why people are asking about the tax status.
Nobody cares - not even the tax man!


I get perks through work for a percentage off of groceries or other things.
I share all that with my wife as I'll be eating the food we buy from our joint account...

CKhalvashi

anotheruser said:

Are you in a partnership?
Because if you're questioning this, you should be questioning that.


And I'm not sure why people are asking about the tax status.
Nobody cares - not even the tax man!


I get perks through work for a percentage off of groceries or other things.
I share all that with my wife as I'll be eating the food we buy from our joint account...

Believe me, the tax man should care. That's £480 in tax at basic rate.

I also agree that £200 for lunch in a month is obscene. OH doesn't spend anywhere near that on coffees/food (and works at an airport which is probably the only place I can think of where that would ever be considered spendable). I'm also more than happy with taking my own lunch (normally reheated veg etc from the night before) or failing that getting a Tesco meal deal. I rarely get time to go to cafes these days on working days.

Ellesse_39

Seriously, this 'dilemma' is a bit tone deaf in view of what many are going through right now with the cost of living crisis.

Share it with your partner, use it to buy food to prepare packed lunches at home, or take ingredients to work to make them there.

No one *has* to buy lunch every day – even if office kitchenettes don't have a microwave these days (health and safety), they do have a fridge. Hot food flasks are useful too.

If you're that flush, buy a few extras to donate to a community fridge/larder or foodbank. It could mean the difference between a family going hungry or having dinner on the table after a long day.

You're in a privileged position – check it and consider the value of good karma.

michelle09

As with all financial relationship decisions - the only valid one is the one that both parties agree and are happy with (fully understanding any implications).

My partner and I consider all money equal and what benefits one benefits us both. My partner gets an annual London travelcard as part of their work. We use the money to offset my travel. I made £100 for giving a talk last week - I use that type of extra money to treat us and we had a nice dinner dinner out together.

The only comment I'd make on this one for 'fairness'. The OP states that their contributions are based on earnings. In effect this is a £3k pay rise if it's considered to be post tax. If I was the partner who had paid in more before I wouldn't be impressed at finding out my partner had more cash now and was expecting to keep it all for themselves.

GaleSF63

"My partner and I have always split bills and rent based on our earnings,"

It's part of your earnings so what' the dilemma?