I would also draw your attention to the “round-up” question at the end of an automated transaction, purportedly for some emotionally disarming cause. First, they make the request look like you are being asked for permission to share information or something else not involving money, and secondly, you really have no idea where that money …
I would also draw your attention to the “round-up” question at the end of an automated transaction, purportedly for some emotionally disarming cause. First, they make the request look like you are being asked for permission to share information or something else not involving money, and secondly, you really have no idea where that money will go. Generally you realize what you spent after the transaction is complete and you can’t wait to get out of there. I say, fight back. Give less until they stop pushing.
What nobody tells you is yes, the money goes to charity but via the retail company conducting the transaction - which then writes that $ off their taxes. So you're not paying charity so much as writing of $0.39 of the retailer's taxes for them.
I mean, yes the charity gets the money but I can dontate via any other means and write that off myself.
The only "rounding up" I cheerful do is at McDonald's, because it goes to their own Ronald McDonald House charity.
Taco Bell wants me to round up "for children's education." What, precisely, would that money be going towards? Even their website is very vague about the details. Nope, nope, nope.
I had this exact scenario in an REI last summer in Salt Lake City. Round up and my spare change goes to the charity of their choice. I declined. The cashier actually said something like, “It’s just 25 cents!” I replied, “Why don’t you give me your pocket change for a charity of my choice?”
Here’s my issues with this: the company gets the tax benefit of the donation, not the customer paying it. Add up all the times you’re asked and make your own charitable contribution of your choice, and happily get the tax credit as well. I tell them I already make charitable contributions.
A lot of times the company has already made the donation for tax purposes and you're just paying them back for it. Giving at the register usually doesn't actually help the charity.
I would also draw your attention to the “round-up” question at the end of an automated transaction, purportedly for some emotionally disarming cause. First, they make the request look like you are being asked for permission to share information or something else not involving money, and secondly, you really have no idea where that money will go. Generally you realize what you spent after the transaction is complete and you can’t wait to get out of there. I say, fight back. Give less until they stop pushing.
My problem is that a lot of these charities are to "fight hunger". Have you seen poor people?
They need charities to fight obesity, not hunger.
I do have a supermarket that asks you to donate food for animal rescue groups, and I will contribute to that.
“Could you please subsidize the wages of the poor NGO employees of ________ charity?”
What nobody tells you is yes, the money goes to charity but via the retail company conducting the transaction - which then writes that $ off their taxes. So you're not paying charity so much as writing of $0.39 of the retailer's taxes for them.
I mean, yes the charity gets the money but I can dontate via any other means and write that off myself.
The only "rounding up" I cheerful do is at McDonald's, because it goes to their own Ronald McDonald House charity.
Taco Bell wants me to round up "for children's education." What, precisely, would that money be going towards? Even their website is very vague about the details. Nope, nope, nope.
Cue the South Park episode where Randy refuses the charity donation and is shamed by everyone at Whole Foods.
https://youtu.be/3KT9IUd_Cnc?si=PvHteXP0rTykfmQE
I had this exact scenario in an REI last summer in Salt Lake City. Round up and my spare change goes to the charity of their choice. I declined. The cashier actually said something like, “It’s just 25 cents!” I replied, “Why don’t you give me your pocket change for a charity of my choice?”
I only shop REI online now.
Here’s my issues with this: the company gets the tax benefit of the donation, not the customer paying it. Add up all the times you’re asked and make your own charitable contribution of your choice, and happily get the tax credit as well. I tell them I already make charitable contributions.
A lot of times the company has already made the donation for tax purposes and you're just paying them back for it. Giving at the register usually doesn't actually help the charity.
Even more infuriating!