I have a good problem

[la79al]

I am going to DW in December. Originally it was supposed to be my sister, DD and I. Then my mom decided she would go along to 'watch DD'. Well today my mom gave me money for the trip (gotta love 0% interest on the Chase Visa). She already gave me some money for the plane tickets. Except that the amount she gave me is way more than her share. I told her this and she told me that she thinks I am lying about the total (and it is actually higher). Then she told me to use the extra to put towards me and my sisters share. What she gave me will cover all but about $80 for sis and I. But I was already prepared to pay my share (and already have paid most of it). So now do I A) tell sis she owes me nothing (and tell her mom paid it) and use the leftover toward mine, B) tell sis she owes me $80 and I pay $80 and her and I pay extras or C) tell sis she owes me $0 and I pay my share and I use the extra from mom to pay for tips (we got free DDP), refillable mugs, airport parking and I don't know what else (because there is still more extra--maybe get us each a Disney gift card and tell them they were part of the package )? I know this is a great problem to have and I am totally prepared to pay my portion so I am really leaning toward option C and using the extra money to cover as many of the extra costs that come up as I can.

 

[BarbWB]

If I understand correctly, she has given you all but $80 that would pay for you and DS. And your DD is considered "free"? Your mom is awesome!!!

Since your mom will be helping with your dd so much, I would just tell sis that she is paid for and then I would pay the extra $80 myself. Then everyone would be responsible for their own tips, etc.

Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[mickeymaker2003]

If you were planning to pay your own share, I'd continue that and have your sister pay her share too as originally planned. Then, I'd use all the extra money to pay for any incidental expenses for everyone (tips, parking, mugs, etc). If there is money left after the trip you could either offer it back to mom, or split it with your sister once you get back if mom is still insistent that it be used for the trip.

Then your mom has no additional expenses and you don't have to worry about trying to split the incidentals with your sister and you can budget accurately for your max expense.

If you decide to use it to pay for the trip portion and think your sister will be good with splitting other expenses, you could use 1/2 for you and 1/2 for her and tell your sister she owes $40 (and you owe $40) and then split all of the incidental expenses between the two of you.

Personally, I'd rather pay the set amount up front and not have to worry about the "nickel and dime" expenses that come up. You also would not have to worry about if someone thinks an expense is "needed" and deciding not to pay part of that because they didn't think it was necessary or it was too expensive, or whatever....

Good luck!

 

[tigerali]

Maybe your mom does not expect additional expenses like tips or mugs etc since she thinks the amount you told her is too low. When the ddp started, tips were included in it...dh and I just discovered recently that they are no longer. So I would probably use the "extra" she gave to be sure there is enough to cover those expenses for her. It would not be good for her to get there not expecting additional expenses and be surprised with them, you know?

 

[mickeymaker2003]

Also, if you are staying onsite (which you'd have to be to get free DDP), you won't have to pay for parking at the parks.

I would not do Plan C--if the money your mom paid is going to be used to pay for someone else's share of the trip, it should benefit both of you equally.... It looks like your plan C gives your sister a free ride while you and mom pick up the expenses for everything.

 

[Brancaneve]

I love good problems......

 

[la79al]

It looks like your plan C gives your sister a free ride while you and mom pick up the expenses for everything.

Yeah, sis is the baby of the family . She's done really awesome by my DD and will definitely be showering her with tons of attention/unneeded gifts while we are at DW.

Mom and sis do not know we have DDP. And mom is planning on cashing in aluminum cans to pay for her refillable mug . So mom is definitely planning on other expenses.
Since I was planning on paying my portion, I think I am going to do that and let the rest cover sisters portion, then use extra (there is plenty) to make sure all of moms expenses are covered. I am going to explain the situation to sis though and see how she wants to handle it. She is the kind that most likely will either want to split what's left (so I don't have to pay my full share) or she will add plenty of money into the 'extra' money to make sure EVERYTHING is covered. Though I'm really not sure what else we will need money for.......

 

[EthansMom]

I would tell Mom, "No, Disney World is running some sales. This is how much money it costs. Here is your extra back for your own spending money." After all, you each agreed to pay for your own expenses. And your Mom could probably really use any leftover money.

If Mom really doesn't believe you, offer to show her the bill.

 

[annagirl]

I wouldn't take more than what it actually costs. I doubt your mom is made of money - like the rest of us, she has expenses.

I would show her the actual bills, explain how you bargain shopped & used discount codes. Then return her money.

 

[pyrxtc]

I wouldn't take more than what it actually costs. I doubt your mom is made of money - like the rest of us, she has expenses.

I would show her the actual bills, explain how you bargain shopped & used discount codes. Then return her money.

I like this idea. And if she won't take the money back, then get a visa gift card to pay for everything for your mom while she is there. Just because Sis is the baby of the family doesn't mean she gets a free ride, you did all the work bookin git all and if anything you should get your expenses covered.

 

[halloweenbaby610]

well... this is quite the problem. what i would do is similar to option c. i would tell your sister that she is paid for, then use anything extra to get them a little gift while there.

 

[DISNEYNV]

I would try to return the money to your mom, but like most moms she probably won't want it back! If this is the case then I would use the money to pay for your sis and any remaining to be used towards the trip only...perhaps a photo CD or tour you can ALL take together Have a fun girls trip to Disney!

 

[pixiewings71]

I would keep the extra money from Mom separate from yours and your sisters, I would pay my portion, make sis pay for hers and then have Mom's money ready to give back to her. I don't think it's fair that Mom pay for your sis and not anything to you, I also don't think it's fair to Mom to have her pay for your sisters portion without her saying specifically she wants to do that. What happens if you get there and Mom says "I didn't realize we are eating for free, can I get some $$ back?", will you have sister give it to her? I'm sure your Mom won't say exactly that but she might get upset when she realizes she really did overpay.....

 

[barnaby1]

Excuse my obtusness but you mentioned a 0% Chase Visa. Does this mean that your Mum has borrowed the money on her credit card because if she has give it back. This isn't money she had to give in the first place.

 

[miprender]

If your mom is like my mom, she wouldn't take the money back either. Just enjoy the gift with your sister and like someone else stated buy a photo cd of all of you or something on that line.

 

[la79al]

Excuse my obtusness but you mentioned a 0% Chase Visa. Does this mean that your Mum has borrowed the money on her credit card because if she has give it back. This isn't money she had to give in the first place.

No, the Chase Visa is mine. As is the Disney obsession. So I booked the trip and put it on my card and mom and sis are giving me cash to pay the card off.

 

[Halbleib1]

You should sit down and be honest with your mom about expenses and let her decide what to do with the extra money. After all if she is going to cash in soda bottles/cans to get money to pay for a refillable mug it sounds like she could use the money.