Having a Credit Card Declined Named the Most Awkward Money Moment, Finds New CouponCabin.com Survey

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Jun 20, 2012, 07:00 ET

WHITING, Ind., June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- We've all been there. Uncomfortable money moments are abound, whether it's splitting a dinner bill or turning down a co-worker for a donation for his child's school. A new CouponCabin.com survey reveals the most awkward money moments, with having a credit card declined topping the list. This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin from June 4th – 6th, 2012, among 2,415 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

While getting a credit card declined is the most awkward money moment for 40 percent of U.S. adults, a variety of other sticky money situations made the list:

Feeling pressured to donate to a charity on behalf of a co-worker, family member or friend – 34 percent
Saying no to giving money to a panhandler or beggar – 30 percent
Feeling pressured to chip in on a group gift at work, like for a baby shower or wedding shower – 26 percent
Sharing salary/wage amounts with co-workers – 25 percent
Splitting a dinner bill or check with a large group of people – 17 percent
Figuring out a gift to get a partner for special occasions, like a first anniversary or a first birthday together – 13 percent

"It's inevitable that some financial situations can be tinged with tension, but honesty is always the best policy, " said Jackie Warrick, President and Chief Savings Officer at CouponCabin.com. "Respect your budget and trust your gut to make the right decision. Don't feel pressured to spend money on something or share something you'd rather not, and expect others to do the same."

Staying open is key to defusing awkward money moments, but they're likely to still happen in some social situations. When asked to describe their specific most awkward money moments, U.S. adults from a random sample said the following:

I participated in a Christmas gift exchange at my job, but I was the only one who didn't receive a gift because we had an odd number of employees.
Knowing someone owes me money, but not being sure how to go about reminding him or her.
Having a $100.00 bill and not being able to purchase anything because the store didn't have change.
I reached a tollbooth and realized that I didn't have any cash to pay the toll.
Attempted to pay for a company dinner and my credit card was declined.
Anytime I am tasked at work for collecting for gifts for people that no one likes or knows.
Attending a jewelry party at a friend's house and having the company host pressure me to purchase things so my friend could get more free stuff.
One of my kids borrowed money from another parent and they did not tell me. Then the parent asked me for money and it was very awkward.
Receiving wedding or graduation invitations for people we hardly know or their children, which are obviously just for the gift.
Splitting a dinner bill when I only had a salad and water while the other party had filet mignon, a large appetizer and wine.

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Survey Methodology:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin from June 4th – 6th, 2012, among 2,230 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore, no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact: Allison Nawoj, [email protected].

About CouponCabin.com
CouponCabin.com is a leading online destination for coupons including online coupon codes, printables, grocery coupons and more. Shoppers have saved nearly $250 million since 2003 and with the largest selection of coupons guaranteed to work, CouponCabin is the best place to start searching for savings. The average user saves $19 in just 80 seconds on the site. With customized email newsletters, browser savings alerts, new coupon alerts and more, shoppers will never miss out on a great deal with CouponCabin. For more information, please visit http://www.CouponCabin.com.

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SOURCE CouponCabin.com