Have you ever made a donation to a good cause out of peer pressure?

Question

...then regretted it the next day and seriously thought about stopping payment on your check?

I was at this fund-raiser last night, and wrote a check for $500 because everyone else was giving money and I felt pressure and now I regret it and want to stop payment on my check.

But yet I will be embarrassed if they report to everyone that I stopped payment on my check. It's like I can't win!

Has this ever happened to you? What did you do? What would you do if you were in this situation?

Answer 1

I have been in that situation at work and I went ahead and donated the money. But certainly not as much money as you did. I reconsidered it, but did not take the money back. Once you give the money, you should not try to cancel the check. To cancel a donation, to me, just seems tacky which is why I didn't cancel mine.

Consider it a lesson. Moral of the story: Only give when your heart really tells you to. Don't give just because others are doing it.

Answer 2

Yes, I have bowled on a ladies league for 10 yrs. and they have a day where everyone puts money in then 1 person wins. They always ask you to donate 1/2 the pot if you win. Well I won last yr and did donate but it was only because I felt like "I had to". If it had been a check i would have canceled it. I would cancel if I were you. The charity can't tell anyone. I don't think...don't quote me on that. But next time write a check for alot less. Like $20!

Answer 3

In my case, I couldn't afford a $500 cheque anyway. You're probably not the only person this has happened to. I don't know what the law is on this - a cheque is a promise to pay so stopping a cheque is like going back on a promise - but if I was in your shoes I would probably grin and bear the unpleasantness of low funds for a month. Either way I'd know not to do it again.

Answer 4

Don't worry about it. If you want to put a stop payment on the check then do so. If the charity is a legitimate one they won't tell anybody that you did.

Myself, I only donate to one charity, and people that know me know to not bother me to donate to the one(s) they are involved with.

Answer 5

you've got to learn your limitations; (financially). I go to business/networking lunches all the time where they go around each table asking for a donation. I simply look at them, smile and say "Not this time thankyou"....then I feel ok as I know I have not put any financial pressure on myself and I wont feel guilty/angry or whatever later. It takes practice though if you are a softy.