Money Moral Dilemma: What should I do with the money overpaid for the Christmas party I organised?

edited 31 January at 6:01PM in Special occasions & other celebrations
45 replies 29K views
MSE_KelvinMSE_Kelvin MSE Staff
281 Posts
Fifth Anniversary 10 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
MSE Staff
This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

Before Christmas, I organised a party at a restaurant for about 35 people. I paid the bill on my credit card, which worked out at £29.15 each, then most people transferred money to me electronically afterwards. Many rounded up what they owed to £30, meaning I now have an extra £25. But I don't feel right keeping the money, and I'm not sure what to do with it.

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. Remember that behind each dilemma there is a real person so, as the forum rules say, please keep it kind and keep it clean.

B) If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.
:/ Got a Money Moral Dilemma of your own? Suggest an MMD.
«1345

Replies

  • El_TorroEl_Torro Forumite
    1.1K Posts
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Forumite
    I'd probably just keep it. Those who overpaid know they did so. 

    If you really don't want to keep it I suggest donating the £25 to a charity of your choice.
  • BrieBrie Forumite
    5.7K Posts
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    Give it to a food bank.  And let your friends know and thank them for their generosity.  Tell them that you've added an extra £10 for good measure.
    "Never retract, never explain, never apologise; get things done and let them howl.”

    2023 £1 a day  £54.26/365
  • hannonlehannonle Forumite
    2.2K Posts
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Forumite
    Consider it a thank you for the time/effort you went to to organise the party. 
    Use the money in whatever way you wish. 
    Thank you to everyone who posts on the competitions boards. You all rock!
  • bikagabikaga Forumite
    119 Posts
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts
    Forumite
    If it was work (or a club that's bound to get together again), donate it to the deposit for the next party that's being booked. If the group's never going to get together again, it's your organiser's fee. As someone said above, people knew they were overpaying.
  • KplanetKplanet Forumite
    13 Posts
    Third Anniversary 10 Posts
    Forumite
    You could buy lottery tickets or scratch cards and if they win split it with the group. 
  • clarrydclarryd Forumite
    634 Posts
    Tenth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    Go buy £25 worth of lucky dip lotto tickets for the weekend draw, they are making lots of millionaires this weekend so you have a chance of making the over payers rich. If you don’t win at least you tried and you haven’t kept anyone’s money
  • MikeJXEMikeJXE Forumite
    1.7K Posts
    1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Forumite
    It sounds like a TIP to me for being a good friend 
  • Flipflop13Flipflop13 Forumite
    22 Posts
    Ninth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    I agree some good suggestions above, if you all work in the same place but some big boxes of chocolates/biscuits and bring them in on Fridays. Put it towards the next party or donate it if it’s really eating at your conscience. 

    The only one I would consider carefully is the lottery/scratchcards as that’s a whole can of worms about sharing winnings which is more awkward than the £25 you originally gained, who paid the extra 85p and who didn’t, if you win more lucky dips and it rolls on and on have you then become a syndicate. I’d stay clear to be honest.
  • Terry10RTerry10R Forumite
    4 Posts
    Second Anniversary First Post
    Newbie
    Hi, send them all an email saying how much each they have due back and suggest it gets given to a charity. Throw it to a vote and I would be very surprised if anyone wants it back.Leaves you with a clear conscience 
Sign In or Register to comment.
Latest MSE News and Guides

Did you know there's an MSE app?

It's free & available on iOS & Android

MSE App

Regifting: good idea or not?

Add your two cents to the discussion

MSE Forum

Energy Price Guarantee calculator

How much you'll likely pay from April

MSE Tools