I'm thankful but I'm tight on money...

Question

Just moved and my fiance, cousin, sister and her boyfriend helped me alot this week. They helped me w/fixing and painting my new apartment and they also helped me move. I took care of them w/drinks and food. I want to give them a thank you card, but feel like I'm being cheap if I don't put money on the card. I want to give them 20 a piece. What should I do? I'm tight on money but I want to do the right thing.

Answer 1

You don't need to give them money and I doubt they are expecting it.  I mean, do you expect payment if you help a friend with something?  Just send them a thank you card and let them know how much you appreciate all their help.  

Answer 2

if you took care of them with drinks and food during the move that should be all.  there is no need to pay them. do you know how many people i would owe money to if they expected to be paid?? :)  

i always just ordered pizza and gave them a few beers while they helped. i was always happy with that when it was me helping.

Answer 3

I think a thank you card is thoughtful and plenty to give. Once you've settled in, invite them for dinner and just be there for them when they need something. Don't give them money. It's really not appropriate.

Answer 4

Never pay your family and friends for helping out! I know it seems ironic, but that is rude. Instead, why don't you try taking them out for dinner or all to see a movie, your treat. This will show that you're thankful without actually slapping a $20 in their lap!

Answer 5

a nice thank you card is worth more than scraping money together .. you can do some favor for them when you have the money or the time.. Maybe you help your sister and her BF if and when they get married and paint their apartment and your finance does it for you.. after all he loves you and for your  cousin you can do something in the future I am sure.  Right now.. they are family.. and your finance is your future husband.. they don't expect payment only appreciation.. so show them you are grateful and just don't take their hard work for granted. Let them know how incredible they are and give them a hug.. x*x

Answer 6

Their work should be worth something.

Answer 7

You do not give money to these people that would be offensive!!!  Now you owe them, this is the way it works.

What you really should do is have a dinner party take the money you were prepared to give them and make them a nice dinner, folks love that!

Answer 8

Just send the thank you card.  You don't stick money or gift cards in thank you cards.  They helped because they wanted to, not because they thought you would pay them.

Answer 9

They're family and that's what a good family does, helps each other.  Just a simple thank you card recognizing their help (couldn't have done it without you) is perfect.  If they ever need the favor returned, be there.  You can invite them all for dinner or barbecue to pay them back but it's not necessary.  They know you're tight on money right now so paying them just doesn't make any sense.  Save your money, just send the cards and write a personal thank you in it.

Answer 10

You should DEFINITELY give thank you cards.  I would also do something more financially feasible like give homemade cookies, or something small but nice.  Just a small token.  You could bake a batch of cookies for $20 or less.

Answer 11

Don't pay them for helping you out. Instead, gather everyone up and go out for lunch at a cute deli or some inexpensive, yet still somewhat nice place.

Answer 12

buy him a mug with a cute animal or a funny quoate on it

Answer 13

Why not invite them to a house warming and serve them a nice dinner to thank them for their help.  Toast their friendship!