National non-profit offers advice on how to avoid awkward social situations and how to effectively navigate money issues.
Boston, MA – November 4, 2014
Every year, particularly as the holiday season approaches, tricky money issues tend to rise to the surface of various social situations. How do you split a bill at a restaurant? Does it make sense to lend money to a friend? When should you tip? These are just a few questions that can make for awkward moments.
Following the proper etiquette can be difficult when money is involved, since people often operate under different rules. Money is an issue consumers often grapple with, whether it is how to earn it, save it, or spend it wisely. It’s not difficult to avoid awkward situations by being fair and conscientious. In order to properly navigate these issues, American Consumer Credit Counseling has provided some recommended ways to be smart, polite, and thoughtful.
ACCC has created an infographic to illustrate these tips here: https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-resources-tools/infographics/money-management-infographic/money-etiquette/
“We spend a lot of time talking about money, and virtually everyone has experienced an awkward social situation that involves finances,” said Steve Trumble, President and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling. “While these situations and conversations can be tricky, it’s important to determine – and make a commitment to follow – proper money etiquette. That way consumers not only have the ability to save money effectively, they can spend it wisely in the appropriate situations.”
ACCC offers these easy tips to help consumers practice proper money etiquette:
Pay your own way:
If you ordered the steak and your friend ordered the salad, don’t ask to split the bill evenly.
Pay for what you break:
If you borrowed items from friends, or you damage anything that belongs to someone else, be sure to replace it or pay to repair it.
Be gracious:
Sometimes, it may cost a little extra, but always offer a gift or at least a thank you note to someone who has done you a favor.
Don’t be a flake:
Make sure to pay up for something you agreed to pitch in for. If you committed to being a part of a group gift or dinner, don’t make someone have to track you down or chase you for your share.
Tip Fairly:
If a tip is customary for a given service, give a tip that is commensurate with the quality of the service.
Be Respectful:
Fundraising for charity is noble, but don’t be overbearing and badger people for money. No one likes to be repeatedly prodded for contributions.
Be Cautious:
Lending large amounts of money to friends can put stress on a relationship. There is no need to create awkward situations unnecessarily. It’s best to separate friendships and finances.
Be Appreciative:
If a friend provides you with a service (not a favor, but their professional work), offer to pay or at least give a gift as a “thank you.”
Be Aware:
Group outings can end with a big bill, so don’t choose to participate in something you can’t afford.
Don’t Discuss Salaries:
A person’s income is almost never “need-to-know” information, so don’t ask in social settings.
American Consumer Credit Counseling’s certified and experienced counselors offer various financial education, counseling and debt management services to help consumers achieve long-term financial health and stability.
ACCC’s certified and experienced counselors offer a variety of financial education, counseling and debt management services to help consumers achieve long-term financial health and stability. These financial education programs help consumers to better understand and manage their finances. ACCC’s holiday spending poll is the first in a series of planned monthly polls related to budgeting and spending habits, intended to help consumers recognize their budgeting needs. ACCC plans to post these polls and the results on their website and Facebook page.
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization, that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling, call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling. call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- For more information on financial education workshops in New England, call 800-769-3571 x1980
- Or visit us online at ConsumerCredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial health through education, counseling, and debt management. ACCC provides individuals with practical solutions for solving financial problems and recognizes that consumers’ financial difficulties are often not the result of poor spending habits, but more frequently from extenuating circumstances beyond their control. As one of the nation’s leading providers of financial education and credit counseling services, ACCC works with consumers to help them with the best plan of action to reduce their debt and regain financial stability. ACCC is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating. It is also a member of the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. For more information or to access free financial education resources log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit TalkingCentsBlog.com.
