Yikes! People Tell Their Most Mortifying Stories of Being Asked for Cash

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When you’re walking down the street and a beggar approaches you asking for money, how do you respond? 

It can be an uncomfortable situation that leaves you feeling powerless unsure of what to say or do. 

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. 

We’ve compiled some alternative strategies for managing beggars that don’t involve reaching into your pocket and handing out cash! 

Here we’ll provide several unique tactics for responding to a begging request, ensuring both parties engage in a safe and respectful interaction. 

1. Ask Them For A Dollar

surprised man close up
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Surprisingly, this is an effective way to diffuse the situation and possibly provide a long-term solution.

By asking the beggar to lend you a dollar, you show that you aren’t afraid to talk to them as an equal.

This may encourage them to pursue alternative means of support, such as looking for employment or finding other more sustainable ways of income.

2. Offer to Help Them Find A Job

clueless older man
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

This can be a tricky one, as you don’t want to come across as patronizing or intrusive.

However, if you know of job opportunities in the area or have other contacts that may help the person out, offer them up.

You can also suggest they look into joining local charities or volunteering programs where they will gain skills and experience that could lead to further work opportunities.

Additionally, you could offer to help them in writing a CV and creating a portfolio of their skills and experiences that may be beneficial for a future employer.  

With the right guidance and support, beggars can potentially find stability through employment rather than relying on donations alone.

3. Give Them as Much as You Can Afford

Rich man giving money to homeless people
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For particularly wealthy people, they have no problem giving homeless people as much as they can afford.

Many people recall times when they decided to change a homeless person’s life by rewarding them with a large sum of money. Having this kind of expendable income is something I wish I had!

4. The Death Stare

Man saying no firmly
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For anyone constantly encountering homeless people begging for money, sometimes matching their aggression is the best action plan.

“I don’t make eye contact and ignore them,” explains one woman. “If they continue to try to engage me, I give them a death stare and a firm no. Sorry if that makes me a jerk, but being a female, I’ve learned to look like I’m more trouble than I’m worth after multiple instances of attempted assault.”

5. Give Them Spare Change

Giving change to homeless people
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When parting with physical dollar bills seems too much, many people are happy to hand over any spare change in their pockets or car.

Thankfully, these small microtransactions add up for the average homeless person over time. It’s better than giving nothing, right?

6. Offer a Few Dollars

Young woman giving money to homeless beggar
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Many people are happy to give a few dollars if they are approached kindly and respectfully. It’s their way of paying it forward in a sense.

“If I have cash, I might toss them a few bucks,” reveals one woman. “Don’t really care if they use it for food, drugs, or whatever; just be happy, my friend. If I don’t have money, I just tell them I got nothing.”

7. Ignore Them

Tourist woman ignoring the beggars
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Unfortunately, like many things in society we don’t want to see or interact with, many people admit they ignore panhandlers and homeless people begging for money.

“Out of sight, out of mind” is how millions of Americans choose to deal with the homeless problem on a personal level, which is something that sadly won’t change anytime soon.

8. Being Stern but Polite

woman saying no
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Sometimes a stern “no” goes a long way. Whether you have the money to spare or not, some people confess to not giving homeless people money ever, out of principle.

These people admit they say “no” and keep walking, not allowing the person to engage them in a conversation where they may feel pressured to give them money.

9. Be Sarcastic

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Some people aren’t the kindest men and women in the world; thus, they confess they take a sarcastic approach to denying homeless people’s requests.

“If you see them coming, ask them for a dollar first,” advises one man. “You get the best reactions and confused looks.”

10. Saying, “Sorry, No Cash”

Man saying no cash
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With many transactions moving away from cold, hard cash, sometimes honesty is the best approach when people get approached for money.

Simply saying, “Sorry, I don’t have any cash on me,” works because it’s true. However, don’t be surprised if homeless people follow up with, “That’s okay; I have Venmo!”

11. Offer Food Instead

Offering food to homeless people
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For many people, they would instead give homeless people food than money. However, it doesn’t always work out the way they imagined.

“I had a guy panhandling on the corner of a shopping center I was going to,” recalls one man. “I stopped at Wendy’s, doubled my order, and gave him the second half. He got mad and told me he was there for cash, not food, so now I don’t waste my time with those folks.

12. The Pocket Patdown

Man patting at his shirt pocket
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Countless people, myself included, utilize the tried-and-true method of patting your pockets as you walk as you mumble a quiet “Sorry” in their direction.

It’s the best way to distance yourself from the situation while making the least effort possible. This method isn’t pretty, but it’s effective. 

13. One Step Away From Their Shoes

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Some people we completely real with their answer.

They explained that their finances aren’t great and while it may appear they have some money, they are really one mistake or accident away from financial ruin.

14. Give Them Gift Cards

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Have unwanted gift cards taking up space?

Some people give them to the homeless to use.

Whether it’s to a fast food restaurant for a meal, or Walmart to get a jacket, a gift card can be a game changer to someone in need.

How To Get Free Food With No Money

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If you are short on cash, not eating doesn’t have to be a reality.

There are options out there that allow you to get free food, even if you don’t have any cash. Here is what you need to do.

How To Get Free Food With No Money

How To Save Money

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If you want to get ahead financially, you need to put some money into savings on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, many of us never do. But that changes now. Here are over 100 simple things you can do to start saving money every day

HOW TO SAVE MONEY

Get Free PayPal Money

shocked woman with money
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If you have a PayPal account, there are countless ways you can get free money.

Here is a look at the easiest ways to put some cash in your PayPal account today.

HOW TO GET FREE PAYPAL MONEY

How To Invest In Yourself

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We all know we grow wealth by investing in the stock market or putting our money into savings accounts.

But many of us are unaware that the best returns are by investing in ourselves. When we improve ourselves, we have the ability to earn a lot more money, which makes it easier to become filthy rich.

LEARN HOW TO INVEST IN YOURSELF

Live A Life Of Unlimited Wealth

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It’s important to stop every once in a while and appreciate the things you have in life.

And with a different perspective, you may find you are far wealthier than you ever imagined.

HOW TO LIVE A LIFE OF UNLIMITED WEALTH

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