What originally started out as just me, my mom, and my two older nieces has since multiplied.
Not that I am not excited to enjoy the vacation with more of the family (no, that wasn't sarcastic), it has started to complicate things a bit more, financially. My mom and I did a lot of research before our trip-where to go, deals that could be made, how to travel, etc. We did an awesome job of using my accumulated hotel points to secure a very nice suite for our stay, we used my airline points for some upgrades, and we found a good destination where we could do some really fun things but not break the bank and just enjoy our time with the girls.
The agreement was that we would split everything between the two of us and the girls would have their own spending money.
Well, once my sister got wind of the great deals we were getting and setting up, she decided she wanted to join us AND bring her younger kids. Well, now we have gone to a fairly easy vacation of four to a more difficult vacation of seven.
That long explanation brings me to my blog topic: when is it fair to say to my sister, you are now bringing more people on this trip and therefore you need to pay more?
For example, with the original trip, mom and I would have needed a rental car that fit four, which is very easy and relatively cheap. Now we have to rent a van that fits seven, plus luggage, which is not so easy and not so cheap. Is it fair to have to split that van three ways or should my sister have to pay more? Taking it further and outside of this vacation, going out to dinner with family, say it's me and my husband and my brother and his wife and their two kids. Bill comes and the comment comes out - let's just split it down the middle, it's easier that way.
Ummmmm, easier, but fair? Out after work one night with coworkers or friends: Everyone agrees to buy a round. You take the first round and with each additional round people leave or change to water or soft drinks. Huh?
So, is it OK for me to sit down with my sister and tell her she has to pay more on this vacation?
Is it OK to make it clear when the bill comes that we are only paying what me and my husband ate? Is it socially acceptable to let the group know prior to Happy Hour that I prefer to just pay for my own drinks?
I don't know!
I am sure it is the right thing to do and makes perfect sense, but I don't know if I want to be the spoil sport or "that" person that makes money such a big deal; but then again, I guess that is what got me into debt in the first place so it's probably a good time to make some changes!
Katie Lupo
Katie is a VERY recent graduate from the CareOne Debt Relief Services Debt Management Plan (DMP). You can read more about Katie's experience in the My Journey out of Debt and A Straight Talk on Debt blogs. In her blog, Katie explores life without credit cards, living on a 'real' budget and making the adjustment from spender to saver. Katie has been blogging about her DMP since she started and has over four years of experience on the plan. Katie lives just outside of Charlotte North Carolina with her husband and rescue dogs. Compensated Blogger for CareOne Debt Relief Services.
