What to do with the money?

[RSKY]

Got a phone call from a lady I did not know. She was looking for somebody with a small tractor to till up a garden for her sister. Her sister, Sandra, lives in our neighborhood and is one of the group that looks after another neighbor who is a disabled friend of mine. The lady that called said her sister has arthritis in her hands and can no longer use her tiller to break up her garden. The garden tilling is to be a birthday present. I didn't realize that she had a garden every year because it is hidden behind her house. I said of course I will, just tell me when you want to do it. The lady said she would pay me for my time and use of my tractor. I said no, I do this all the time for free, I will not accept money for doing something I look at as entertainment. We argued and she laughed and said she would make a donation to my church or favorite charity. So two days ago she shows up at our house and comes in and talks to my wife and myself. As she turns to leave she gives me an envelope and tells me to not open it until she leaves. Inside were five $20 bills! A note inside said to donate the money or use it as I saw fit.

If Sandra had mentioned that she wanted a garden tilled I would have driven the quarter mile to her place and tilled it up for her for free with not a thought about it. I do it for others all the time.

My wife thinks it is funny because of my 'old man in the neighborhood' title I have bestowed upon myself. BUT, I am feeling guilty over the money.

RSKY

 

[CH4Ohio]

Guilty?

If you have that level of guilt, I'm assuming you're reporting this as Misc Income. After you take out your local, state, and federal taxes you'll only have about half left. Feel better? Then you can go buy diesel fuel for $4+ per gallon. Feeling better yet? Or a couple steaks at $15 per pound . . .

Give it to your wife. She'll know what to do with it.

 

[EddieWalker]

My first thought was to use it to buy Sandra some tomato's, or something like that. Or maybe some yard art like a wind spinner, and tell her it's from her sister.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

The garden tilling is to be a birthday present.
That $100 paid is the present given, no different paid to you or a store. That's why she said don't open until she left, knowing you wouldn't accept it.
A note inside said to donate the money or use it as I saw fit which is what you should do.

 

[Snobdds]

After tilling get a soil sample. Using the money go get it tested. Once the results are back, go get the amendments with the money. Go spread them.

Tell the lady you need to invest in job security.

Leave it at that. She will have a great garden that needs tilling next year.

 

[Duds13]

After tilling get a soil sample. Using the money go get it tested. Once the results are back, go get the amendments with the money. Go spread them.

Tell the lady you need to invest in job security.

Leave it at that. She will have a great garden that needs tilling next year.

I was going to say, buy the plants for the garden with the money

 

[2manyrocks]

IDK, seems like she wants you to pick your favorite charity to bless someone else.

 

[not2old]

I had the same problem when plowing a now deceased couples driveway. He was confined to a wheelchair and she had a hard time with the blower. We finally agreed on a token $100.00 for the season as they had paid nearly that much for a one time clearing that wasn't that good a job. If it's a vegetable garden you could suggest trading for some of them.

 

[2manyrocks]

FWIW, giving to some organization means they'll use part of that $100 for administrative costs that keep the organization going. If you can find some person that actually needs $100 to pay their rent or buy groceries or whatever to actually live, that $100 may have more of an impact in that person's life.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

I see it as the lady wanted to give her sister a $100 birthday gift which she did.
Me, although I too wouldn't want to be paid, would buy fuel, oil, filters, etc. After all, even well meaning, giving some or all back negates the gift...?
Later you could give each one something from your garden, flowers, etc.