Note: I wasn't sure what flair to use, so I chose "Other."

So yesterday, I was at my doctor's office. I was walking toward the in-house pharmacy when a man stopped me and asked me if I'd buy him a drink from the vending machine. This is the norm here, as this facility serves the indigent population. I initially told him I didn't have cash and started to apologize, but he said I could use my debit card. I figured . . . well, it's hot out, and as bad off as I am, his circumstances might be even worse. Plus I do believe in helping others when I can.

So we walked over to the machine together, I tapped my card, and he got his drink. I told him I hope he enjoys his drink, and that was that.

I got the receipt via email a few hours later. Okay, he said it was a dollar, and it was actually a dollar-fifty. Not ideal, but I'll deal with it.

The next day, I got yet another receipt from the same vending machine, and this time it's for $1.85. Ugh. So I checked the charges online, and it was a jumbled mess. THREE temporary holds for $1.50 each, plus the $1.85, plus the $1.50 that seemingly disappeared.

So I hopped on the phone with the debit card company. After struggling to get a human, then getting transferred, then having a frustrating conversation, I learned that I only got charged $1.85 total, and the vending machine company tacked on another 0.35¢ from the original $1.50. The only thing I can do is call the vending machine company and ask for a refund of that 0.35. But I'd have to go back to my doctor's office (when I don't drive) and just hope that the customer service number is listed somewhere on the machine. Because the "company" listed on the transaction is "USA Vend Five USA" or something vague like that. Ugh, what a headache. I try to do something nice for someone!

Learn from my mistake and just don't use your card to buy anything from a vending machine!

Edit: Okay, this thread got a little more active than I was anticipating. I feel there is something I should clarify.

Yes, I am fighting this hard over $0.35 because my financial circumstances, which I did not cause, justifies it. I could understand the initial jump from $1.00 to $1.50 might have possibly been an honest mistake. But jumping from $1.50 to $1.85 doesn't feel right, so I'll try one more time to fight it.

Yes, my finances really are that bad. Which means a credit card would be dangerous for me.

And yes, I still bought a drink for someone JUST THIS ONCE when I'm struggling as much as I am. Let me explain why.

I had the $1.85 just this once. What I mean by "I had it just one time" is that I got a GoFundMe donation recently. As in less than a month ago. It was enough for me to comfortably spend $1.85 just once. But when I say just once, I mean JUST ONCE, because it is one set amount, not a recurring paycheck. And my medical needs and financial situation change frequently enough so that I can make a "fluff" purchase of $1.85 once, but not multiple times whenever the mood strikes me. I am no less grateful for that donation. I will always be forever grateful to the nth degree for every single donation, and I have said s much. But I explained what I did very concretely to help clarify some confusion.