Money Moral Dilemma: Should you save a stranger money?

eileenfromplaistow

I would keep quiet, not knowing what kind of reception I would get. I would offer advice to a friend or neighbour though.
My daughters used one of those print-off vouches in New Look not so long ago. The assistant took the 20% off and gave it back, saying they might like to use it again (only valid that day). They offered it to the girls behind them in the queue, who apparently looked like they had been offered something nasty! Maybe they have too much money these days or don't realise what a fifth is.

Froggie

I would pretend to answer my phone when he had finished his conversation and respond to the pretend caller giving them the credit card details i had so the other person could ask me about them once i had concluded my pretend conversation.

Money_saving_Martyn

Hi all!

I, like mancrob26, have got a reputation for being "tight", mainly because I don't waste my money on alcohol and ciggies (I'm a student). My family are also used to getting cheap birthday cards or this year, because I'm abroad, they're getting used to free e-cards! (When people just through them in the bin - whats the point paying £3 at a highstreet card shop?)

Anyway, down to business:

It depends entirely if they looked friendly enough.... If they sounded like they needed help and worried I'd probably mention something, but I wouldn't start trying to analyse their entire financial situation - All I would do is give them the MSE web address and leave it to them.

Surely this situation is like a modern day "Good Samaritan" (if you don't know of this, search for it) situation.... how many people would just walk by and leave him to suffer....?

If I was on the phone in a public place (especially where people were seated) I'd have already had excepted that people could hear me.... If I was on the phone talking about a medical problem (albeit in public) and a doctor overheard and suggested something I'd be thankful for the advice.

Whether or not the person acts on your advice is entirely up to them. We're all stuck on this island together so whatever we can do help each other out just makes life better. Love thy neighbourgh - and save thy neighbourgh money!!

Obviously this depends on, like I said, if they are friendly and of course, it depends if I was feeling socialable that day!

Keep spreading the savings!

ailuro2

If he's a !!!! telling all and sundry about his love life on a train, then I'd be more likely to think he can provide the banks with their easy profits thereby leaving current account transactions free for the rest of the (MSE) population.

If it was an old granny yakking away at a bus stop then I'd probably wangle my way into the conversation and get her to silver surf her way over to MSE, or at least get her grandkids to help her find the best deal.

Not the most morally strong of decisions, but someone has to pay the banks' profit, and I'd rather it wasn't me - especially when I hate people blethering $h!te on their mobile phone on the train.:mad:

MimiJane

A few years ago I wouldn't have dreamed of saying anything but, being older now and not caring so much about what people think, yes, I would definitely suggest this site and urge him to take a look to save money in all sorts of ways.

macaroni

Depends how he came across...Ive often butted into conversations, usually in shops, when people have asked a question and not been given the answer they need.
Im very much a wallflower and much would rather listen than talk so I would also have to feel very strongly about it to do it.

Richard019

It would depend on why I'd overheard him.

If he was half way down the train and talking loudly/shouting then I'd leave him to it. It may be selfish but somebody has to pay for the rest of us to take advantage of these deals, I'd rather it was someone with a 'stuff the rest of you' attitude.

If he was having the conversation at a normal level and I heard him because I was sat near them and the train was pretty quiet I would talk to them about it. Obviously you wait until they're finished on the phone and then go with the excusing yourself for over hearing but in the same situation I'd be happy enough for someone to help and I go with the do unto others philosophy.

It's not exactly the same thing but I've heard people on trains complaining about the cost of their return tickets being ridiculous even when they'd bought in advance. Given even with my railcard it works out at about 60-70% off (cheapest return against the online singles that aren't reduced by a railcard) it's a hell of a reduction.

In that case they'd heard it was cheaper to buy in advance and went in to the station to get them. Unfortunately for them, and I know from experiance that this isn't an isolated case, they'd gone into a small station where the staff weren't particularly helpful. Where when you go into a bigger station they'll tell you if there are cheaper options available (even after I've reserched it I can get there and find more money knocked off) the staff in the smaller stations will just give you what you ask for and they'd asked for a return ticket on the logical assumption that it would be cheaper as it always had been.

Taffybiker

Definately not! Any such private conversations should not be aired in a public place anyway. To do so simply shows the phone user to be quite arrogant, and inconsiderate of other people around. I would not want to befriend this person.
OTOH, if it were simple "travel chat" between us and the subject came up, that would be different.

moneysavingmumofone

A.Jones wrote: »

If it was my brother, then I would give advice. I have done many times before and often it is accepted. If it was a stranger, then I wouldn't give advice. Family and friends are different to strangers.

I think the poster meant 'brother' as in fellow human being not actual brother? Correct me if im wrong:o
I wouldnt say anything as im too shy! But id be screaming 'MSE!!!' in my head:rotfl:

tallgirld

No way!!!!! come to think of it I dont even discuss ways of saving money with my friends or family much less some loud mouth on a train