[Erica]

Started living more frugally 1 year ago to pay off bills. I have come to enjoy and appreciate not wasting money, It’s like a fun game.

I had an experience today and want to know how to avoid misunderstanding from just being frugal without people trying to help/feel bad bc they think I can not afford things.

I was at target today, buying baby powder and Q tips. Total was around $6.

I had 3 gift cards that I did not know how much was on them so have to cashier, 1st card had .68, 2nd 0 and third $2.91. Which left total of $3.08.

I was getting $5 out of my wallet and looking for .08, guy behind me stated it can be put on his bill. I was like no I got it and he said are you sure.

I’m sure he was trying to be nice or possibly just in a hurry but I felt like he thought I couldn’t afford it which made me feel bad that I was coming across that way.

When in reality I just refuse to waste any money-even if it’s .68 on a gift card.

[Margie]

He may have thought that you were going through a bad patch as you were using several cards to cover a small purchase.

However, what was the main thing was his random act of kindness, he may have grown up with little himself and witnessed someone help out his family an now pays it forward.

[Tesse]

Proof that there are still good humans on our planet! He was being kind to offer to help

[Melissa]

I was car traveling and stopped at a travel stop station for gas and a bite to eat. I had a salad and thought just 2 fried tender pieces would make it perfect.

There was a Popeye’s chicken at the station.

I went in with just a couple bucks and asked if they would sell me just the 2 pieces. I was told they couldn’t.

I admit I might have looked a bit disappointed but said okay and started to leave.

The manager came around and handed me a complete meal. I said no I just wanted 2 tenders. He insisted I take it.

I tried to explain and he would not let me. I was a bit embarrassed and I left.

I traveled farther down the road to eat my salad with chicken and stuck the rest in my cooler.

It took me awhile to mentally accept this. I finally decided; he misunderstood and I will never see these people again.

I decided to let this man have the joy of helping someone that day.

[Lucinda]

A few years ago I had someone offer to pay for my groceries (around $20, I think) as an act of kindness to honor a friend who had passed.

I found that so touching and I told her I greatly appreciated it, but declined her offer because I thought she could find someone in need and bless them.

And I still get warm fuzzies when I think of her generosity. Kindness is cool.

[Lori]

He was just being nice. Don’t overthink it. One time my family and I were at Burger King and I had a coupon for a family bundle.

It was perfect for us as my kids were still young. Plenty of food but only 3 drinks.

When the kids pointed out (I would have just shared with my husband) the woman at the counter handed us an extra cup.

I thanked her and thought about it later that she probably assumed the same about us. I didn’t really care though.

Let people think what they want.

[Fiona]

As an ex cashier, I’d just like to say I loved helping customers use up the little bits of change on gift cards.

Yes, it’s a bit time consuming, but so many people just throw away those cards with a small amount on them.

I would have loved to say “throw em to me!”, but couldn’t as a staff member

[LySette]

I feel it’s more about our own mindset and feeling more confident in who we are. Something like this wouldn’t have bothered me.

It’s a complete stranger.

How are they to know anything about me? And many ppl like to assume.

Just like you assumed he wanted to pay because you thought he may think you’re struggling.

Maybe he just wanted to do a random act of kindness and took advantage of the pause in paying to do so. We really don’t know.

Id appreciate the nice gesture, then probably say “thank you kindly. I’ve got it” smile and return to what I was doing.

Id probably feel pretty good too, knowing there’s helpful ppl in this world who are willing to stand up and support others, without fully knowing their situation.

I’ll also add, I’ve used gift cards several times with spare change left on them all. The money is already spent on them.

Why let any of that go to waste. Every penny helps.

It’s why for years, I’d get as much shopping as I could get done from a local discount store.

It was often 2-3 cents saving per item.

But it adds up! Especially when buying for a family.

[Joanne]

Stores count on us not to use those left over pennies. We see right through that!

[Diana]

Please, don’t worry about what people are thinking about you! Also, I would’ve accepted his offer since I believe in not blocking someone’s blessings!

You always have the opportunity to pay it forward.

[Linda]

I had a man insist on paying for my groceries once! I was horrified since I can well afford my own.

All I could think of was it was a waste of $$$ since so many really need it.

He insisted so I thanked him

[Jameelah]

Or maybe he just wanted to pay it forward. I wouldn’t take offense by it. I’d be flattered someone offered their kindness.

[Pat]

We were eating in Red Lobster last week and the waitress told us that someone had paid our bill. We were shocked. Very thankful.

We were going to use our gift cards too but we had not got them out of wallet yet.

We have no idea who they were, so we couldn’t thank them. We did leave the waitress a 20% tip.

[Rochelle]

This is awesome! I’ve never had anyone offer to pay for my stuff, but I do understand the idea of not wanting people to think you can’t afford your stuff (strangers, relatives, etc).

HOWEVER, it ultimately doesn’t matter what people think!

I mean, there are literally people out there spending money they DON’T have in order to impress people, meanwhile they have $700+ car notes & maxed-out credit cards while some of us choose to cut costs in certain places in order to enjoy luxuries elsewhere.

You can’t control what people think. I actually prefer people to think I’m broke so I don’t have to worry about them asking for anything

[Lori]

I wouldn’t think too badly about the guy’s offer. I’m frugal but I can afford to be generous.

I can find myself on both sides of this situation.

[Jessica]

This is why I use self checkout lanes when I’m using up gift cards or change.

It helps avoid that awkwardness and also doesn’t hold anyone up in line.

Also used the self checkout lanes when I was poor and only could pay for eggs with hundreds of pennies.

[Cynthia]

Think of it this way: you are making it possible for the other person to do a gift of generosity. The reality of your situation is not the point.

You made it possible for someone to be generous

[Susie]

Most times people offer they are truly being kind you did the right thing and yes it may happen again but that’s ok bless the ones trying to help

[Author]

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