After finding out the cost of the 90,000 mile car check-up, I decided to try to get a few more no-spend-days under my belt for the minimum wage challenge. While I did do a hike with a friend,
I mostly spent the days working on the computer (I know, boring, but not expensive). In addition I did drive out to visit my sister for an afternoon to see my youngest niece take part in her first dance performance (so cute!)
It was there that my sister found out that I landed a week-long vacation guide opportunity.
I’ve done a lot of traveling to state and national parks in the west and while I wouldn’t consider myself an expert, I do know more of those “secret” places than the average person. I was asked by my dad and his wife to come along on a trip as a guide for a week in Utah where my expenses would be paid (hotels, transportation, etc) in exchange for showing them some of the more interesting spots that I’ve been to in the area.
My sister instantly claimed that this is cheating because she feels that this offer is simply being made because they know that I am doing this challenge, so I should have to declare all the expenses (even though I’m not paying for them). I might be able to see her point if this was the first time for something like this to happen, but the fact is that I have been asked to do similar things in the past when there wasn’t any challenge involved, so I feel it’s perfectly legitimate for me to take advantage of it. For example, we did a Colorado River Grand Canyon rafting trip a couple of years ago that was arranged in a very similar manner.
over the last four days, the only expense I’ve had was buying a drink on the drive to visit my sister which put me back $1.09. I did go to the local coffee shop one day, but still had money on my card so there was no expense there. The other days I went to the library to work. There was no costs on my part for the hike, so for the four days, I came away with only spending slightly more than a dollar.
I expect the next week to be a little more expensive than the last few days, but not by a whole lot since most expenses will be paid for. it should be interesting to see how it turns out. So, what do you think? Is it fair for me not to count any of the expenses on this vacation guide trip?
Four Day’s Spending
Food: $1.09
Car: $0.00
Lodging: $0.00
Travel: $0.00
Health: $0.00
Misc: $0.00
Total: $1.09
Total Spending
Food: $301.66
Car: $597.00
Lodging: $146.31
Travel: $408.26
Health: $2042.65
Misc: $70.10
Total: $3566.18
I think it should be allowed. We’ve taken family members places at no cost to them and they are making poverty wages. It happens.
I think that this is fair game, especially since you have done similar things in the past with them. I know I’ve taken my adult children on trips and paid for everything in the past — I enjoy their company and like spending time with them, and by doing so, I can spend quality time with them that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.
I think I have said it before: With sisters like yours, who needs enemies?
Your parents would like to bless you with a “working” vacation. ENJOY!
I have to agree with mimipaula … I think your sister likes to engage in sibling rivalry a wee bit too much. 🙂 (I’m remembering your eating challenge awhile back and her “helpful” comments.)
At this point in my life, I probably make more than my parents do, but they get really offended if I try to pick up the tab on things. (Unless I’m with my dad … god loves his frugal ways – he will never complain if I buy breakfast and I do so gladly.) Go forth and enjoy the week that you’re going to be a vacation guide. And don’t track your expenses. That’s just hinging on ridiculous.
This is a working vacation as you will be their tour guide. Would your sister be against it if it was a company paying for your services as a tour guide? My husband is an actor and many times there are places that pay not only for his lodging and stippend, but also give him the extra fee that he charges. So he gets to do something that he loves while getting paid to do so and spending nothing for it.