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  • Found Money

    Tonight we were walking in the park and I found $20 on the ground. I thought it was garbage so I picked it up. Multiple people were ahead of us and kicked it around. My DH didn't even notice, I just swooped down and picked up a crumpled mess. So what should I do?

    Should I return it? How would I find someone? Or is it a reward for a good deed of picking up garbage? If it had been a wallet I would have mailed it back intact, I've gotten 3 wallets back I've "lost". Good karma. So what should I do now?
    LivingAlmostLarge Blog

  • #2
    Not sure how you'd track down the person who dropped it.

    If you feel guilty about it, you could donate it to charity... or buy lunch for a few homeless people.

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    • #3
      I agree with sweeps.

      I also think it is okay to keep it if you are so inclined.
      My other blog is Your Organized Friend.

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      • #4
        Cash is yours to keep. You couldn't possibly find out who dropped it. That is a no-guilt gift IMO.
        Steve

        * Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
        * Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
        * There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by disneysteve View Post
          Cash is yours to keep. You couldn't possibly find out who dropped it. That is a no-guilt gift IMO.
          I agree, it's a greens fee. (Pardon the pun)

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          • #6
            Finders keepers
            Got debt?
            www.mo-moneyman.com

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            • #7
              My rule for this sort of thing is to look around, see if there's anyone that it might belong to that's obvious, someone looking at the ground, worried, for example. If not? The find is mine.

              I figure I've lost enough money and someone else finds it, so it's my turn.

              I found a wallet when I worked for a casino, looked at the pic, matched it with the customer at the blackjack table, walked behind him and said, "Mr Jones?" when he turned around, I gave him is wallet, with probably near $1,000 in it. He gave me a buck! I was disgusted. I didn't have to even turn it in acc. to the casino rules....)

              On the other hand, I found $150 in a dresser when I worked in a dude ranch and went to the office and asked if anyone knew who'd had the dresser previously, before I spent it.

              If you can't reasonably tell whose money it is? Keep it. If there's a chance, I try and return it.

              Judi

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              • #8
                Did you expect more than a dollar?

                I don't think there should be any expectation for a reward for doing the right thing. It's the right thing for a reason.

                I can't think of ever finding money on the ground. I've gotten extra change back a few times and always given it back.

                If you looked around and didn't see an obvious candidate for who it belonged to, you did your part. Keep it and save it for a rainy day.

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                • #9
                  Actually I think that $20 is mine, I dropped it in your park...



                  J/K, just keep it! No possible way to ever track down who it belonged to. You could donate it like someone said but I would use it for Christmas presents

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                  • #10
                    I agree with everyone else. If you looked around and no one was looking for it, then it is yours to keep.

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by disgruntable View Post
                      Did you expect more than a dollar?

                      I don't think there should be any expectation for a reward for doing the right thing. It's the right thing for a reason.
                      Personally, I wouldn't expect anything, but a dollar is a bit insulting. I would prefer nothing to that.

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