[Tyrone Finkelmey...]

Do you use your own money to buy things for work?

Where I currently work, I often have to buy bits and pieces for workshops that I run, for which we have a (pitifully small) budget, so I am in the habit of buying things and claiming them back. Or getting cash in advance and putting in the change and receipts. Sometimes I use my own car to go to events and claim reimbursement for travel.
I'm working with some people from another organisation on something, and when we met we were talking about some things that it would be nice to buy for the event but didn't have the budget for. Both the other people said they would be happy to 'pick up' certain items, indicating they would buy it from their own pocket.

I've had previous jobs where I did buy things out of my own pocket but I realised that in this job I have no expectation of ever buying stuff for work without being reimbursed.

What about you?

[howdo]

All the time. I cannot do my job the way I want to without spending my own money.

[**Mel**]

All the time. I cannot do my job the way I want to without spending my own money.

Similar to Howdo, but we do have a bit more in our budget at our level. Though, am forever picking stuff up at Big W and the like to use at work.

I claim it back at tax time. And any use of my car whilst travelling to meetings/workshops etc.

[ajo]

Sure I don't mind at all for the little things, really annoys me when the manager gets milk because we need it and then reminds me to get her petty cash for it all $2 especially as it's a bit of a process, lots of paperwork and checking float is ok, just for $2 when she uses the milk everyday wouldn't hurt to pay once in a blue moon! Also if I felt by buying some extra stuff that wasn't in the budget would make the event more pleasant I definitely would provide tue extra $$

[LynnyP]

Reasonably often. Depends on how wide you draw the net. Some people think that work should pay for their tissues etc. If you stretch it that far, all the time.

[CherryAmes]

When I was teaching, yes. I assume all teachers do? Anyway, yes, claim it back at tax time.

[Tyrone Finkelmey...]

Yes, we don't get tea/coffee/milk etc provided, we have to contribute to the tea fund for it.
I used to have a job where I bought a lot of things out of my own pocket. Pondering, I think perhaps the difference is that I took a big pay cut to work in the community sector, so I feel like I'm already 'giving' by working for peanuts. Plus because I'm often claiming money back anyway, it's automatic to add any receipts into my next claim.

[secret~sammy]

Not for true work expenses like stationary or taxi fares, but I spend a lot more than I'd like on birthday cakes and work lunches etc. Things that are technically optional but wouldn't be a good look (in my office) to kick up a stink about.

[**Mel**]

work pays for my tissues...I think. Maybe it comes out of staff fees? Hmmm, no idea lol

Staff fees certainly pay for tea/coffee/milk

[lisacat]

In my current job I do as I can't be bothered claiming such a little amount e.g dish washing liquid for the school, bigger things we are reimbursed for. Our manager is really good at us not having to purchase things e.g tea, coffee etc is bought with the stationary and claimed that way.

My last employer I spent so much of my own money as money was cut from our budget to prop up corporate services. DH used to complain about how much I used to spend on work over the course of a year it was in the thousands.