People Asking For Money

I know this issue has been discussed before on TT. I don’t know if my experience this holiday season is the norm, but there has been an increase in people finding ways to ask me for a hand-out. Truck stops and rest areas both. And I can never know if someone is really in need or just a panhandler. They all have their tale of woe. It’s a struggle for me because I try to help less fortunate people, but I have my limits also.

How do you deal with this issue?

Just say; "no."

I tell them I don't carry cash.

A couple times at truck stops they have approached for money for gas and I have put gas into their vehicle and they were grateful. I was fine with it. If they want the money instead of the gas then I use the above statement, that I don't carry cash. If they suggest getting cash from an ATM machine, I just tell them, no don't use them either and walk away.

Surprisingly, I haven't seen an uptick of requests for money.

Laura

I don’t even let them get into it. There’s plenty of others way to help out those in need but the beggars that target those areas will never see a dime from me.

Give them a blank EFS Check.

Give them a blank EFS Check.

I actually did tell one guy that I was out of cash and asked him if he accepted credit cards.

Give them a blank EFS Check.

... there has been an increase in people finding ways to ask me for a hand-out.

That's because there's ZERO social stigma to accosting strangers to fund your, "party supplies". I was in a Wendy's yesterday eating my lunch when an able-bodied young man half my age approached me at my booth and asked, "Hey man, can you spare a few bucks so I can get something to eat?" Fortunately, a manager was seated in the booth next to mine taking his break and chased the punk off. Eating lunch inside this particular restaurant wasn't an option for most of the year because they couldn't find enough workers to open the lobby. There were at least a half-dozen, "help wanted" signs inside.

Even when I was younger and could only afford less reliable used cars I'd walk 10 miles back to my house before I'd hassle some stranger with a sob story or a guilt trip. I can't remember ever hassling a stranger for some kind of a handout. Even if the problem was something I couldn't resolve alone I've got at least a dozen phone numbers I could call if I needed help. You know who can't call for help? Drug addicts who have already burnt all their bridges. But, but, "They can't help it", "It's a disease". FREE (to them, NOT the taxpayers) treatment is available in Oregon and Washington - all they have to do is ask IF they want to quit. Bottom line - why work when there's a steady stream of suckers willing to hand you cash all day long?

Even when I was younger and could only afford less reliable used cars I'd walk 10 miles back to my house before I'd hassle some stranger with a sob story or a guilt trip. I can't remember ever hassling a stranger for some kind of a handout. Even if the problem was something I couldn't resolve alone I've got at least a dozen phone numbers I could call if I needed help. You know who can't call for help? Drug addicts who have already burnt all their bridges. But, but, "They can't help it", "It's a disease". FREE (to them, NOT the taxpayers) treatment is available in Oregon and Washington - all they have to do is ask IF they want to quit. Bottom line - why work when there's a steady stream of suckers willing to hand you cash all day long?

100% AGREE!

Growing up, my aunts and uncles were all addicts. I saw what they did for money and what happened to them when owed somebody money. I've also seen what withdrawals do to people.

Because of that, I always give people money when they ask. I also don't know what people are going through and I'm fortunate to be in the position I'm in.